Fearless Zamalek’s Plot to Obliterate Esperance’s Champions League Dominance

No one saw it coming, not even coach Moin Chabaani –the genius figure behind Tunisian Premier League winners Esperance’s back-to-back continental dominance.

It’s that type of defeat that shakes tables, leaving in its wake bitter pills to down.

The panic buttons have set in for Esperance’s board at the thought of their campaign for a third Champions League title conquest teetering on the brink of not succeeding.

Hope is not lost though with the second and deciding leg of who goes to the semis billed for 6^th March, at least six days before then –more than enough of a time for recuperation.

In today’s clash, Egypt’s Zamalek carted away with the points.

Algerian-born Abdelraouf  Benguit had silenced fans at the Cairo International Stadium with his 27th minute opening goal from a Hamdou Elhouni’s assist, a lead that reigned for no less than four minutes before Zamalek’s Moroccan import Mohammed Ounajem pummeled a long-range shot to the back of the net to level matters.

It was a balanced possession for either side in re-start until Acharaf Benchaki raced The White Knights of Egypt ahead with a second goal as chaos erupted in Esperance’s half.

Mohamed Ali Ben Rodhane later had to be sent off in the 75^th minute for vigorously protesting Zamalek’s second goal.

This moment appeared to have dampened Esperance’s spirits and took the visiting Tunisians and reigning African club champions forever to sanction a comeback as the hosts ran out 3-1 winners going into the second-leg.

The Egyptians will be emboldened at the realisation that Esperance are not after all invisible but they know they’re not out of the woods yet considering the current holders are known to be comeback kings.

Friday’s empathic win is not only a dare at ES but a huge statement of intent from Zamalek to the rest of the continent’s big guns that the White Knights of controversial chairman Mortadar Mansour are back to re-launching their dominance.