By Francis Onyach - Reporter
South Africa, 29 November 2025 - As Zamalek face Kaizer Chiefs in Polokwane, South Africa, they are much aware that they have a historically poor away record in the country.
This fact adds an extra layer of intrigue and pressure to their CAF Confederation Cup clash.
Zamalek have played six previous away matches in South Africa in CAF competitions, returning just one win, one draw, and four defeats, underlining how difficult these trips have been for the Cairo giants.
Their only victory on South African soil in official CAF fixtures came decades ago, with more recent visits largely dominated by local teams such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Painful Memories Against South African Sides
The club’s struggles include a heavy 4-1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the 2013 CAF Champions League group stage and back‑to‑back defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2016 campaign, including a 3-0 first‑leg hammering in the final that set up Sundowns’ title triumph.
Even when Zamalek have managed to keep games tight, as in a recent 0-0 draw away to Stellenbosch in the CAF Confederation Cup, South African opposition have still found a way to knock them out by winning the return leg in Cairo.
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Chiefs’ Psychological Edge At Home
Kaizer Chiefs can draw confidence from their own history against Zamalek, having beaten the Egyptians 2-1 at home in the 1993 African Cup of Champions Clubs, even though Zamalek advanced on away goals after winning the second leg 1-0.
Chiefs also boast an unbeaten home record against Egyptian clubs in CAF competition, combining that win over Zamalek with a draw against Ismaily, which reinforces the belief that South Africa is far from a happy hunting ground for the White Knights.
The upcoming match at Peter Mokaba Stadium is part of a tightly balanced Confederation Cup group, with Zamalek starting strongly after a home win over Zesco United while Chiefs are under pressure following a 2-1 defeat away to Al Masry.
For Zamalek, improving their miserable away statistics in South Africa is essential if they are to assert their status as five-time African champions, while Chiefs see this as a prime opportunity to use home advantage and local conditions to unsettle a side that historically struggles on South African turf.
