Egyptian giants Zamalek have sailed through to the lucrative group stage of the Champions League with a solid display against Zambian Champions Nkana.

They held the home side 1-1 in Kitwe on Saturday to take the tie 3-1.

A Zamalek victory looked on the cards from just three minutes into the first half.

Veteran international striker Hossam Hassan laid the ball off on the edge of the box to midfielder Hazem Emam, whose shot flew past Nkana's goalkeeper Emanuel Mschili.

Nkana came back well and mounted a series of attacks, but Zamalek 'keeper Mohamed Monsef, and the post, kept the ball out.

Midway through the half Nkana's midfielder Gamma Mwewa's shot hit the near upright and was deflected out for a goal-kick.

Zambian's shock

But Nkana's perseverance was rewarded just before the break when Boston Mwanza unleashed a long range shot from outside the box.

In the second half Zamalek looked content to finish with a draw, and took up a defensive formation hoping to catch Nkana on the break.

With two minutes left on the clock that policy almost paid off, when substitute Abdel Latif ran clear, but shot just wide of Nkana's goal.

Zamalek's manager Otto Pfister said he was happy with the result, describing the game as "highly tactical".

But Nkana coach Patrick Phiri was very disappointed.

"It's a shocking defeat because I expected my team to override them.

"I think my players were demoralised with that early goal. Otherwise Zamalek are beatable."

Teams:

Nkana
Mschili, Musonda, Bwale, Bwalya, Sinyangwe, Mwewa (Sinkonde 51), Mulenga (Lundu 79), Mwanza, Mubanga, Kmwandi, Sakulanda (Chiwaya 51).

Zamalek
Monsef, Hassan, Ghandour (Halem), Tabel, Mohamoud, Tema, Ela, Hassam (Ahmed 82), Sayed, Emam (Latif 75), Kamouna.

Referee: Petros Mathabela (South Africa)
Attendance: 12,000.