Dramatic triumph for Zamalek prompts Esperance firing

TUNIS (GoPharaohs.com) - Egyptian giants Zamalek came from a goal down late in their African Champions League clash with Tunisia’s Esperance, to claim a 2-1 victory that keeps them on top of Group B and in position for an unlikely second round berth.

Hazem “The Maestro” Emam showed the inspired form that had made him one of Africa’s most famous talents, scoring the equalizer with his first touch after coming on as a sub, then setting up the game-winner. Ghanaian international Awule Quaye latched on to Emam’s through-ball before netting home the clincher.

The loss has prompted Esperance to fire manager Mourad Mahjoub. On Tuesday the club named Khaled Ben Yahia as his Mourad’s replacement.

Coming off its worst-ever finish in the domestic league a season ago, expectations were less than high for Zamalek entering their Champions League campaign.

A series of draws in the group finally yielded to the first victories of Group B over the weekend, with Zamalek’s win and Cote d’Ivoire’s ASEC overcoming Etoile Sahel of Tunisia.