By James Copnall In Cairo

Zamalek survived a nervy second half spell to overcome Asec Abidjan 3-1 in Cairo on Friday night to pocket the first three points of the African Champions League group series.

Striker Abdel Haliem did the damage, scoring two first-half goals before poaching a late third in injury time to kill off the contest.

Substitute Madinho scored a bizarre goal for Asec as the Ivorians pushed forward in the second half, but Zamalek held their nerve for a well-deserved win.

Egyptian attacks engulfed Asec's defence and the Ivorians could not cope with the incessant pressure.

Asec did not get a shot at goal for the first 30 minutes, by which time they were trailing by two goals.

There was a major turn-around in the second half.

Hat-trick man

The Ivorians began to put the Egyptians under real pressure and it was no surprise when the West Africans pulled a goal back.

Zamalek defender Bashir El Tabeiy tried to get the ball clear, but it hit Asec's onrushing Madinho and went into the net.

The Ivorians subsequently redoubled their efforts, but they were unable to find a way past a determined Zamalek rearguard.

Abdul Haliem killed Asec's hopes for a draw by scoring the decider in the 93rd minute.