Port vs Zamalek

Zamalek made the most of an unusual arrangement, facing AS Port in what was technically the Djiboutian side's home leg but played in Cairo, since Djibouti lacks a CAF-standard stadium. The Egyptian giants raced to a commanding early lead, and despite a late fright, held on for a 2-1 win in this CAF Champions League preliminary-round opener. Mohamed Shehata put Zamalek ahead inside five minutes, and Angolan midfielder Chico Banza headed home a second in the 37th. Port, playing their first-ever match in Africa's top club competition, pulled one back through Mahdi Hussein Mahbi in the 82nd minute for a tense finish, but couldn't find an equalizer. The win puts Zamalek firmly in control as they push to reclaim a continental crown last won in 2002. For Port, the away goal keeps hope alive, but they'll need something special in the September 12 return leg in Cairo to overturn the deficit against far more experienced opposition.