Zamalek coach: ‘No fear, but respect’ ahead of Confederation Cup semifinal

Moatamed Gamal, head coach of Zamalek Egypt, said that the match against Algerian side CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final is important and difficult for both teams.

The head coach added in the pre-match press conference:
“We realize the difficulty of the match, and it is a two-legged tie. The first will be tomorrow in Algeria, and our goal is to achieve a positive result that will make the team’s mission easier in the return match in Cairo in order to qualify for the final.”

He praised CR Belouizdad:
“We realize that we will face an opponent of a distinguished level, and they did not qualify by chance. Certainly, CR Belouizdad followed Zamalek’s matches, just as we followed the opponent’s matches.”

Moatamed Gamal added:
“We will face a strong team that has a large fan base, and we have great experience in similar situations. The players are used to these matches in light of the presence of elements that have experience.”

A dominant run for Zamalek SC as they head to the semi-finals. 🇪🇬

Another #TotalEnergiesCAFCC final for the Cairo giants? pic.twitter.com/Nq8RhxTJGD

— TotalEnergies CAFCL & CAFCC 🏆 (@CAFCLCC) April 6, 2026

He went on to reveal the positive effect of the pressures faced the team:
“The pressures that Zamalek have been exposed to have given the team great motivation, and we are the only Egyptian team in African competitions. We do not want to exit the tournament, and we are looking forward to winning the title.”

The head coach continued:
“The squad of Zamalek was not complete before, and we previously suffered due to injuries and absences. This is the first time the squad is complete, and all players are in a state of physical and technical readiness, and they want to do their best to achieve the best result.”

Zamalek coach praised the attacking output of his team:
“Zamalek are among the best teams that score goals in the Egyptian league and the Confederation Cup, and we are moving steadily. Semi-final matches are difficult to compensate in, and they are not like group stage matches, and we have a goal that we seek to achieve.”

He added:
“CR Belouizdad play in a balanced way, and the change of the technical staff of the opponent may be an additional motivation for them. We have studied their style of play, and I see that both teams are an open book to each other. Zamalek play for the title, and I hope that we will have success in tomorrow’s match and deliver a good match.”

The head coach highlighted the challenges of the next game:
“We realize the importance of the match against a strong opponent on their ground and among their fans, in addition to having distinguished elements in all lines. I have confidence in Zamalek players and their ability to achieve the required goal. We do not fear the opponent, but we respect CR Belouizdad, and we are well prepared for the match.”

Moatamed Gamal concluded by saying:
“Zamalek have three international goalkeepers, and there is no problem in this position at all.”

Zamalek SC will face CR Belouizdad away from home in the first leg of the semi-final at Nelson Mandela Stadium at 7 PM GMT tomorrow, Friday, while the return leg will take place on April 17 at Cairo International Stadium.

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