Day: May 20, 2024

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup crown
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Zamalek upset Berkane to capture the CAF Confederation Cup

Zamalek clinched the African club football’s secondary competition with a thrilling 1-0 victory over RS Berkane in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup final, securing the trophy on aggregate on Sunday.

The Egyptian giants entered the second leg at the Cairo International Stadium behind 2-1 from the first leg in Morocco a week ago.

The Zamalek team, backed by their passionate home crowd, made a remarkable comeback to win the continent’s title for the second time. Striker Ahmed Hamdi scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute, levelling the aggregate score. 

However, Hamdi had to leave the game due to an injury just before halftime. The second half saw Zamalek defending fiercely against Berkane’s attacks. 

Senegalese midfielder Ibrahima Ndiaye played a crucial role in Zamalek’s strong defence. Berkane’s frustration resulted in a red card for one of their players, leaving them with 10 men. Despite the pressure, Zamalek’s defence remained solid, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory.

This win represents a remarkable comeback for the Cairo-based club, which previously claimed the title in the 2018/19 season. On the other hand, Berkane came very close to winning the CAF Confederation Cup for the third time in four years but fell short in the end.

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Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven's current form
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Augustine Williams is thrilled with Indy Eleven’s current form

Indy Eleven secured an impressive 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic at Carroll Stadium. Sierra Leone International Augustine Williams was happy with his performance and the team’s spirit.

Augi Williams scored his sixth goal of the season, Indy’s final goal, with an assist from Younes Boudadi, placing him at the top of the team’s scoring alongside Blake.

The first goal was scored in the third minute by Jack Blake from a penalty kick, giving him a team-leading five goals this season. Benjamin Ofeimu doubled the lead with the match-winning goal, scoring off one of Indy’s season-high 12 corners.

The team has scored 12 first-half goals this season, the second-highest total in the league. Aedan Stanley assisted Douglas Martinez for an insurance goal in the 54th minute.

Hartford managed to score in the 80th minute with a goal from Michael Ngalina.

“It has been a great season so far. We started a little bit slow, but as time went on, the team was able to find chemistry and started to click,” Williams told Football Sierra Leone.

“It’s been a good journey for me with the team – I have been able to put myself in a great spot to be able to get the chance to score. It’s one game at a time, but I am pleased with everything so far.”

On meeting his national teammate Emmanuel Samadia, who was introduced in the 46th minute for Hartford:

“It was great to meet Samadia, my teammate from the national team. But for now, I will stay focused and determined, and I hope we can continue on this path because there’s no better feeling than winning.”

Indy Eleven is on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a five-game unbeaten streak in the USL Championship. 

The team has scored in 11 straight USL matches, totalling 21 goals. They will host Detroit City FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday at 7 pm.