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Cape Town - Zamalek came from a goal down to beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Confederations’ Cup match played at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The home side did not wait for long to test their opponents and could have been awarded just five minutes into the match.
Thamsanqa Gabuza came an inch away from getting the opening goal with his effort hitting the post from a good ball provided by Thabo Rakhale.
Pirates continued to create more chances, but could not get targets on goal with Zamalek doing very well to protect their goalkeeper.
The Egyptians giants did not sit back and created chances of their and also found the Pirates back four very organised with the match being battled in the midfield, where Pirates looked the better side.
With Bucs struggling to break down the Egyptians, Oupa Manyisa took a number of shots from range, but they were too weak to trouble the Zamalek goalkeeper.
Sfiso Myeni had a good chance to give Pirates the lead but was outmuscled by the Zamalek defender as the match went to the half time break at goalless.
Zamalek started looked pumped-up in the second half with Morsy the danger man, but Pirates were able to survive the scare.
The Zamalek striker had another chance in the 46th minute only for his effort to go fight with the Pirates defence caught off guard.
Substitute Mustafa Fathi took a powerful shot at goal, but Brighton Mhlongo was equal to the task.
Pirates also brought in Lehlohonolo Majoro for Kermit Erasmus and the striker put Pirates ahead with his first touch just a minute after coming in.
However, the lead did not last long as Morouf Youssef cut the celebration short with Pirates losing concentration at the back.
More chances were created by Pirates, but struggled to break Zamalek.
The Egyptians then silenced Mbombela Stadium with a well curled ball from substitute, Fathi, to win the match.
Matlaba came close to sealing a draw for Pirates in the dying minutes of the match, but his shot was paired away by the Zamalek goalkeeper.
And just before full-time Majoro was denied a second by the goalkeeper and post.
