Zamalek SC head coach Moatamed Gamal has called on fans to celebrate their team’s qualification for another CAF Confederation Cup final, despite a goalless draw in the second leg against CR Belouizdad on Friday.
The Egyptian giants advanced to their third final in eight years after a 0-0 draw at the Cairo International Stadium, securing a 1-0 aggregate victory thanks to Juan Alvina’s first-leg strike.
Zamalek’s disciplined defensive display ensured they protected their narrow advantage throughout the return leg, shutting out the Algerian side to book their place in the final.
The club remain unbeaten in CAF Confederation Cup finals, having lifted the trophy in 2019 and again in 2024, both times against RS Berkane.
Speaking after the match, Gamal admitted his side could have done more in attack but stressed that the main objective was achieved.
“We had many chances in the first half, and there was a disallowed goal, and the most important thing is achieving the objective and qualifying for the final match,” he said.
He also urged supporters not to be disappointed with the result.
“I ask Zamalek fans not to be sad because of not winning today’s match. I wished the performance would be better and that we could win, but in the end we qualified for the final,” Gamal added.
The coach noted the cautious nature of knockout football at this stage of the competition.
“Semi-final and final matches do not witness many chances because of the caution of both teams. Zamalek were better in the first half and there were no chances for the opponent,” he explained.
“The second half witnessed some chances for CR Belouizdad, but Zamalek defended well and achieved the objective and qualified for the final.”
Looking ahead, Gamal made it clear that the target remains lifting the trophy once again.
“Our goal is to win the title, and we respect all opponents, whether USM Alger or Olympic Safi,” he said.
