Mohamed Hashem struck late to hand Al Masry a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in their CAF Confederation Cup Group D opener at the Suez Stadium in Suez, Egypt, on Sunday evening.
Rwanda international midfielder Bonheur Mugisha thrust the hosts ahead on 59 minutes from the penalty spot before Dillan Solomons hit back for the Soweto giants seven minutes later. But Hashem then separated the two sides with the winning goal three minutes before time.
Chiefs arrived in Egypt without three injured strikers Glody Lilepo, Khanyisa Mayo and Wandile Duba. That limited Amakhosi coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef’s options upfront, but presented Ashley du Preez with an opportunity to start and partner Etiosa Ighodaro in attack.
With Aden McCarthy and Rushwin Dortley also out, dealing with fitness issues, Chiefs welcomed back Given Msimango as cover, from the bench, for Inacio Miguel and Zitha Kwinika in central defence.
Al Masry right-back Ahmed Eid could not recover in time for Sunday’s game, paving way for Katrim El Eraki to step in for him.
Except for Brandon Petersen denying Nigerian striker Kingsley Eduwo four minutes into the contest, clear-cut chances were difficult to come by from either end of the pitch in the opening stanza.
IMPROVED SECOND STANZA AFTER DULL FIRST HALF
Early into the second half, Petersen was forced to make two brilliant saves as the home side came back from the breather with more attacking intent. It was a period of pressure from Al Masry who also protested against Liberian referee Washington Dolo turning down what they thought was a deserved penalty from a seemingly handball by Bradley Cross.
The Green Eagles were finally handed a penalty when Petersen fouled Mahmoud Hamada inside the box before Mugisha converted from the spot.
It did not take time for Chiefs to respond when Solomons picked a feed from Mfundo Vilakazi to cut inside from the right side before unleashing a low shot with his weaker left foot.
But Hashem grabbed the winner for the hosts, taking advantage of Miguel failing to clear danger from a corner kick delivery to scramble the ball into the back of the net.
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