CAIRO: Zamalek s hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League round of 16 are in jeopardy following a surprising 2-0 away defeat to Sudan s Hilal on Sunday.
The Sudanese champions dominated most of the game as the post and keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed denied the hosts a deserved lead in the first-half
In the second half, Hilal piled on the pressure that resulted in the opener following a disastrous blunder from Zamalek defender Tamer Abdul-Wahab.
A minute before the hour mark, the former Al-Shams defender terribly converted a cross from the left flank into his own net.
Nigerian forward Klitchy Ononua dribbled past Amr Al-Safti before being denied by the impressive Al-Sayed, whom Zamalek had to thank for keeping the narrow gap.
Mohannad Al-Taher, under no pressure from the defense, doubled the lead second six minutes from time with a powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the area.
Tarek Al-Sayed was sent off one minute before the final whistle after hitting an opponent off play.
Zamalek need no less than a three goal difference to secure their place in the last 16 when they host Hilal in the second-leg in Cairo.
