Zamalek SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over APR FC in the CAF Champions League on 25 October 2026, deciding a tight contest with a second-half set-piece goal at the Cairo International Stadium. The Egyptian giants controlled much of the ball and defended their lead with composure to claim an important home win and a clean sheet.

Match overview

Zamalek dictated the tempo from the early stages, circulating possession and looking to stretch APR FC’s deep defensive block. The visitors defended stubbornly and limited clear chances in the first half, but Zamalek’s pressure finally told in the 58th minute when centre-back Omar Farouk rose highest to head home a corner.

APR FC responded with a more adventurous approach in the final 20 minutes and created one clear opportunity late on, but Zamalek goalkeeper Ahmed El-Sayed produced a vital save to protect the lead. The home side managed the closing stages well and saw out the win without conceding.

Key moments

• 22nd minute: Zamalek’s first headed chance from a corner drifted just wide.
• 41st minute: APR FC’s goalkeeper made a strong save to deny Zamalek a first-half opener.
• 58th minute: Omar Farouk scored the decisive goal with a powerful header from a corner.
• 76th minute: APR FC’s best chance was blocked by a last-ditch Zamalek challenge.
• 89th minute: Ahmed El-Sayed made a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet.

Tactical story

Zamalek built patiently through midfield, using their wide players to create overloads and force APR FC into defending crosses. The visitors sat deep and looked to counter through quick transitions, but they struggled to sustain possession in the final third. The decisive moment came from a set piece, an area Zamalek clearly targeted.

APR FC improved after conceding and pushed more bodies forward in the closing stages. Zamalek, however, dropped their midfield slightly deeper and protected the central corridor, limiting the visitors to speculative efforts and one difficult late chance.

Standout performers

Omar Farouk was the match-winner with his header and also defended strongly at the other end. Ahmed El-Sayed made the key save late on, while APR FC’s goalkeeper produced a brave performance despite the defeat.

Season impact

The Zamalek SC vs APR FC result gives Zamalek three important points in the CAF Champions League and strengthens their position in the group. The clean sheet will be particularly pleasing for the coaching staff, while APR FC will take encouragement from a disciplined away display and the knowledge that the margins in continental football are often extremely small.