Former English Premier League manager Alex McLeish made a winning start in Africa Sunday with his latest club, Zamalek of Egypt.

The five-time CAF Champions League title-holders debuted in the 2016 edition by defeating Union Douala 1-0 in Cameroon.

Burkina Faso defender Mohamed Koffi scored the last-32, first-leg winner after 59 minutes at the Stade Reunification in Atlantic city Douala.

McLeish, the 57-year-old ex-manager of Birmingham City and Aston Villa, lost and won domestic league matches since taking over before travelling to Central Africa.

A former manager of Scotland, McLeish became the fourth coach of Zamalek this season after Portuguese, Brazilian and Egyptian handlers were fired.

McLeish moved to Cairo after managing Belgian outfit Genk, saying he "needed a change of scenery".

Although the White Knights have the equal second best record in CAF competitions with nine titles, they have not lifted an African trophy since 2002.

It was a pleasing African debut for the sandy-haired Scot as Cameroonian clubs are traditionally difficult to beat at home in CAF competitions.

Union won the Champions League in 1979 and the African Cup Winners Cup two years later, but have slipped down the African pecking order since.

Al Ahly, neighbours of Zamalek and the most successful CAF club with 19 titles, have also hired a former Premier League manager, Martin Jol.

The 60-year-old Hollander made a satisfactory African debut Saturday as the Cairo Red Devils forced a 0-0 draw against Recreativo Libolo in Angola.

TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo launched their title defence with a 2-2 draw away to Saint George in Ethiopian city Bahir Dar.