Zamalek headed into the return fixture at the Cairo International Stadium trailing 2-1 from the first leg in Morocco a week ago. However, Zamalek’s Ahmed Hamdi fired the Egyptians ahead in the 23rd minute to level the tie on aggregate in spectacular fashion. With the 2-2 aggregate scoreline, the second half became an intense battle for the White Knights as Berkane launched wave after wave of attack in pursuit of a crucial away goal. But Zamalek’s defence remained resilient under intense pressure in the closing stages to seal a 2-2 aggregate victory on away goals, sparking jubilant celebrations. The Nuggets became the fifth straight reigning champion to fail to reach the conference finals in their quest to defend their tittle.