Instead of clearing a cross from Dillon Solomons, the Egyptian pushed the ball into his net to give the South Africans a 96th-minute equaliser. Zamalek had led from the third minute when veteran Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri scored his fourth goal of the African campaign. The other Egyptian contenders, Al Masry, top the table with six points after two rounds. Zamalek have four, Chiefs one and ZESCO United of Zambia none.

Zamalek are aiming to win the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League a record-equalling third time. CS Sfaxien of Tunisia and Renaissance Berkane of Morocco have already done so. Chiefs have reached the mini-league stage for the first time after being eliminated in pre-group play-offs three times.

The South Africans made a disappointing start on a hot afternoon in the northern city, falling behind after just 154 seconds through poor defending of a corner. Captain and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen advanced off his line, but failed to grasp the ball and after a melee, Jaziri struck a low shot into the corner of the net.

Chiefs came agonisingly close to levelling on six minutes when an audacious long-range attempt by Uruguayan Gaston Sirino beat Sobhy only to rebound back into play off the post. Jaziri had the ball in the net again soon after but the goal was disallowed as he had pushed Angolan Inacio Miguel before scoring.

Chiefs then lost full-back Bradley Cross and midfielder Sirino to injuries within four minutes. Paseko Mako and Mfundo Vilakazi took their places. Early in the second half, Jaziri became the latest injury victim and Palestinian Oday Dabbagh took his place.

A free-kick just outside the box on the hour mark offered Chiefs a chance to equalise, but a poor attempt by Vilakazi was well off target. Elsewhere, AS Otoho of Congo Brazzaville rose from third to first in Group C after a surprisingly convincing 4-1 victory over Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria in central Africa.

After scoring just five goals in five qualifying and group matches, the Congolese found the net three times within 29 minutes to lead 3-0 at half-time. Defender Jacques Bowamba, Malian forward Bandiougou Diallo and midfielder Gosim Duvan scored, with another defender, Ravelli Dion, increasing the lead to four goals midway through the second half.

Belouizdad scored a consolation goal on 81 minutes as Abderrahmane Meziane converted a penalty for a club competing in the group phase for the first time. The other clubs in the section, Singida Black Stars of Tanzania and Stellenbosch of South Africa, meet in Zanzibar City on Sunday.

Mohamed Sobhi

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