CAFCC: ‘Zamalek imposed its style on Belouizdad’ – Gamal

Zamalek SC coach Motamed Gamal has explained how his side overcame CR Belouizdad with a 1-0 victory on Friday to draw first blood in the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC).

Juan Bezerra’s first half strike sealed the CAFCC semifinal, first leg victory for the Egyptian Premier League side at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algeria.

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In a post-match interview, Gamal attributed the win to utilisation of Zamalek’s experienced players and taking control of the proceedings from the first whistle.

Return semifinal leg will take place on Friday

“I confirmed before the match that it is difficult for both teams. Belouizdad is a strong and respected competitor with special players,” he said.

“Zamalek took advantage of the experiences of its players and imposed its style in most of the periods of the match and achieved the required goal.

“The Zamalek players did their best in the match. Our goal was to come out with the best result. I thank the players for the great match under great fan pressure. The players were up to the responsibility.”

The 52-year-old trainer has since cautioned his players against complacency, reminding the 2024 CAFCC champions that tie remains balance going into the return leg.

“Zamalek have finished the first half, and there is the second and most important half in Egypt. We hope that we will have success and qualify for the final,” said the former Egyptian international defender.

“The return match will be difficult. Belouizdad is a team that plays modern football, and its presence in the semi-finals of the tournament is not a coincidence, and the result is deceptive. Zamalek did not decide the qualification, and the team’s players are in a state of concentration to decide the second half.”

The return semifinal leg will take place on Friday at the Cairo International Stadium. The overall winner will date either Olympic Safi or USM Alger who are meeting in the other semifinal legs.