Brazilian Juan Alvina Bezerra scored after 28 minutes to give visiting Zamalek of Egypt a 1-0 victory over Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria on Friday in a CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg.
A clever back heel by Ahmed Fatouh set up the 23-year-old South American to sprint into the area and fire a low shot between the legs of goalkeeper Farid Chaal and into the net.
It was the fourth goal of the campaign in the African second-tier competition by the Brazilian. He joined the Cairo club last year from Ukrainian side FC Oleksandriya.
Belouizdad had the ball in the net after 72 minutes through leading scorer Abdennour Belhocini, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review.
The clubs meet again next Friday in Egypt with Zamalek favoured to reach a third Confederation Cup final.
Known as the White Knights, they beat Renaissance Berkane of Morocco twice in title deciders. Zamalek won on penalties in 2019 and on away goals two years ago.
Belouizdad are being coached by Bosnian Mustafa Kodro after the recent unexplained suspension of German Sead Ramovic.
The other first leg will also be played in Algiers. USM Alger, the 2023 Confederation Cup winners, host Olympique Safi of Morocco on Saturday.
