CAF Champions League: Zamalek Secure Win Over Al-Merrikh In Thriller

Nasser Mansy scored a hat-trick to help Egyptian giants Zamalek secure a hard fought 4-3 victory over Sudan’s Al Merrikh in the CAF Champions League dead rubber.

Victory in the final match for both clubs lifted Zamalek one place to third in Group D, but only the top two finishers advance to the quarterfinals.

Leaders Esperance of Tunisia host second-placed ChababBelouizdad of Algeria on Saturday, holding a one-point advantage ahead of a match that will decide who tops the final standings.

Zamalek, whose last of five Champions League titles came in 2002, got off to a flying start with Mostafa Shalaby and Mansyscoring within three minutes.

Ramadan Agab quickly reduced the deficit and Al Jezoli Nouhand Brazilian Paulo Sergo scored early in the second half to put Merrikh ahead.

Mansy levelled with a header midway through the second half and a superb Abdallah Hassan pass set him up for a 94th-minute winner.