Zamalek coach reveals why Juan Bezerra felt sad despite goal against CR Belouizdad

Moatamed Gamal, Zamalek coach, expressed his happiness with the victory over CR Belouizdad by one goal to nil in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final.

The head coach said in the post-match press conference:
“I confirmed before the match that it would be difficult for both teams, and CR Belouizdad are a strong and respectable opponent and have distinguished players. Zamalek used the experience of its players, imposed its style during most periods of the match, and achieved the required objective.”

He added:
“Zamalek have finished the first half, and there is the second and more important half in Egypt, and we hope that success will be on our side and that the team will qualify for the final.”

Gamal praised his players:
“Zamalek players exerted their maximum effort in the match, and our goal was to come out with the best possible result. I thank the players for the great match they delivered under great crowd pressure, and the team’s players were up to the responsibility.”

🎞️ Match Highlights:
Bezerra’s goal secure an away win for Zamalek SC over CR Belouizdad in the #TotalEnergiesCAFCC semifinals! pic.twitter.com/x5SNYuk2OD

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 10, 2026

The head coach went on:
“We always work on dividing the match, and we made changes in the positions of some players during the match between Juan Bezerra and Odai Dabbagh, whether on the flanks or in the center. The chances that come in such matches are not many, and Zamalek managed to exploit them.”

He revealed why Juan Bezerra felt sad despite his goal in the game:
“Juan Bezerra was sad after coming off due to injury after complaining of a hamstring problem. He wanted to continue, but I refused to risk him because the team needs his services in the return leg.”

He concluded by saying:
“The return match will be difficult, and CR Belouizdad are a team that plays modern football, and their presence in the semi-final was not by chance. The result is deceptive, and Zamalek have not secured qualification. The players are focused in order to decide it in the second half.”

Zamalek SC secured a valuable 1-0 victory over CR Belouizdad in the match that took place at Nelson Mandela Stadium in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, taking a step towards qualification for the final. The return leg is scheduled to be played next Friday at Cairo International Stadium.

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