Egyptian Premier League side Masry began their CAF Confederation Cup journey with a narrow 3-2 loss to hosts Al Hilal of Libya in the first leg of the second preliminary round on Sunday.
Striker Salah Mohsen scored just a minute before halftime, latching onto a precise assist from winger Abdel-Rehim Daghmoum to control the ball in the area and slot it home.
Midfielder Mohammed Al-Shiteewi levelled the score for Al Hilal five minutes before the break with a powerful strike from outside the box. Mohsen put Masry back in the lead in the 63rd minute with a well-placed shot in the box.
In the 68th minute, Al-Hilal’s captain, Faisal El Badri, scored the equalizer with a header from a sharp cross outside the area. Ten minutes before the final whistle, Al-Shiteewi secured the victory for Al Hilal with a close-range header.
Despite Masry coach Ali Maher making three substitutions, Al Hilal’s defence held firm, securing a 3-2 victory. The return leg is scheduled for next week in Port Said.
