ZAMALEK snatched a late victory to break Orlando Pirates hearts with a come from behind 2-1 victory in their Confederation Cup B Group encounter at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit yesterday.
Bucs let the lead slip through their grasp after substitute Lhohonolo Majoro put them in front with 22 minutes remaining.
But the Egyptian giants struck twice in the last 10 minutes with goals by Yusuf Maroaf and Moustafa Mohamed.
Bucs dominated the first half, but Zamalek showed their class in the second period as they took charge of the game to go on top of the group with six points.
Pirates are second with three points after two matches.
It was an electrifying atmosphere at the 2010 World Cup stadium as scores of Bucs supporters came in their numbers to rally behind their team. It was also the top of the table clash as both teams won their opening Group games.
Zamalek recoded a hard fought 1-0 victory over Tunisian outfit CS Sfaxien in Egypt, while the Buccaneers edged past Congolese side AC Leopards by the same margin in Dolisie. Bucs knew that victory would get them closer to the knockout stages.
Tinkler’s charges had an opportunity to open a three point gap at the top of the log as Leopards and Sfaxien shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in Sfax, Tunisia on Friday night. Leopards and Sfaxien are on one point each after a round of two matches.
Ahmed Nassen was the busier of the two goalkeepers as the home side threatened to find the back of the net.
The visitors were relieved to hear the half-time whistle as they somehow managed to avoid conceding a goal.
Bucs were hoping that they would not come to regret their many missed opportunities after a dominant performance in the first half.
Zamalek gave a much improved showing in the second period as they forced Bucs goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo into making several great saves.
Mhlongo denied substitute Moustafa Mohamed with a brilliant save late in the half. Tinkler ringed the changes and his move paid off.
Substitute Majoro, who came in for Erasmus broke the dead lock with his second touch two minutes after he came into the pitch with 22 minutes remaining.
But Zamalek equalised five minutes later with a cracker from Yusuf Maroaf to silence the crowd.
