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| Zamalek canter to final ![]() Hassan was the inspiration behind Zamalek's victory Zamalek 2-0 TP Mazembe (Agg: 3-1) Hossam Hassan inspired Zamalek to an easy win over TP Mazembe to put the Egyptian giants into the final of the African Champions League. In truth, Mazembe were always going to struggle after failing to take advantage in the first leg on their notoriously bumpy pitch. And in front of 80,000 fans in the Cairo stadium, Zamalek set about punishing Mazembe as early swiftly as possible. And as early as the fourth minute Hassan had got his name on the scoresheet. Abdelhaliem Aly was fouled by Mazembe defender Mbaya in the penalty area, and Hassan coolly slotted home the resultant kick. Zamalek then hardly lost the ball for the rest of the first half, apart from a nervous few moments on 24 minutes when Mazembe striker Lofo found himself unmarked in the Zamalek penalty area, but saw his shot well saved by Abdelwahed. But that incident aside the first half was all one-way traffic and it was no surprise when Zamalek doubled their advantage on the night after 37 minutes. Again Hassan was the scorer, sweeping home a marvellous goal from the edge of the penalty area after great play by Abdelhaliem Ali down the right hand side. By half time, the Zamalek fans were already celebrating going to the final. After half time, realising they had nothing to lose, Mazembe began to push forward in numbers, but this continually left them fragile at the back and Zamalek began to find gaps opening up for them. Nevertheless, they were able to threaten on occasion, as Ilunga began to find space - but too often found himself lacking in support. To their credit, Zamalek continued to attack, and went close through Aly on 78 minutes, the midfielders' shot going just wide. But after a last-minute Hassan effort was superbly saved by Mayala, it became clear Zamalek would not add to their tally and settled for their place in the Champions League final. |
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