Kaizer Chiefs grab late CAF Confederation Cup draw via Zamalek goalkeeper error

Zamaleks goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy netted an own goal deep into added time, handing Kaizer Chiefs a vital 1-1 draw in their spotlighted CAF Confederation Cup Group D clash on Saturday.

Rather than deflecting a delivery from Dillon Solomons, the Egyptian custodian directed the ball past himself, securing the South Africans an equaliser in the 96th minute.

Zamalek had taken an early advantage in the third minute courtesy of a goal from experienced Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri, his fourth strike across the African competition this term.

The fellow Egyptian side Al Masry lead the standings on six points from two fixtures. Zamalek sit on four, with Chiefs on one and Zambias ZESCO United yet to earn any.

Zamalek seek to claim the African counterpart to the UEFA Europa League for a joint-record third occasion. Tunisians CS Sfaxien and Moroccos Renaissance Berkane have previously achieved this feat.

For Chiefs, this marks their debut in the group stage following three prior eliminations during pre-group qualifiers.

The South Africans endured a tough opening in the sweltering heat of the northern Egyptian venue, conceding after merely 154 seconds due to lax corner defence.

Skipper and shot-stopper Brandon Petersen ventured forward but could not collect the ball, leading to chaos before Jaziri fired a low effort into the nets bottom corner.

Chiefs nearly restored parity on the sixth minute as Uruguayan Gaston Sirinos bold effort from distance evaded Sobhy yet clattered back off the upright.

Jaziri found the net once more shortly afterwards, though the referee ruled it out after he had fouled Angolan defender Inacio Miguel prior to finishing.

Chiefs then saw defender Bradley Cross and playmaker Sirino sidelined by knocks inside four minutes, replaced by Paseko Mako and Mfundo Vilakazi.

Not long into the second period, Jaziri joined the injury list, with Palestinian Oday Dabbagh coming on as substitute.

A set-piece opportunity from just beyond the penalty area on the hour presented Chiefs with a levelling shot, yet Vilakazis effort sailed harmlessly wide.

In other action, Congos AS Otoho climbed from third to top spot in Group C following an unexpected 4-1 triumph against Algerias Chabab Belouizdad in a central African showdown.

Having managed only five goals across five prior qualifying and group outings, the Congolese outfit struck thrice inside 29 minutes to hold a 3-0 lead at the interval.

Goals came from backliner Jacques Bowamba, Malian attacker Bandiougou Diallo and schemer Gosim Duvan, before defender Ravelli Dion extended the margin to four midway through the latter half.

Belouizdad managed a late reply on 81 minutes when Abderrahmane Meziane slotted home a spot-kick for the debutant group participants.

The sections remaining teams, Tanzanias Singida Black Stars and South Africas Stellenbosch, will face off in Zanzibar City this Sunday.