CAF Confederation Cup: Gamal confident Zamalek can overturn deficit against USM Alger in final second leg tie

Zamalek SC head coach Motamed Gamal has expressed strong belief in his side’s ability to overturn their first-leg deficit and lift the CAF Confederation Cup when they host USM Alger on Saturday.

The Egyptian giants will welcome the Algerian outfit to Cairo International Stadium for the decisive second leg of the continental final after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in last weekend’s first leg at the 5 July Stadium in Algeria.

Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Gamal described the final as a contest still very much alive despite the setback away from home.

“We said in Algeria that this final would be played over two halves,” Gamal told reporters. “The first half is finished. We lost by one goal, but that chapter is closed and we are now fully focused on the second half in Cairo.”

The 52-year-old coach revealed that his technical team has prepared for every possible scenario, including the possibility of the title being decided via penalties.

“We are preparing for all situations, including a penalty shootout. Of course, we hope to settle the game during normal time, but Zamalek is ready for anything because our target is to win the trophy,” he said.

Gamal also suggested there could be tactical changes for the return leg as Zamalek seek to overturn the deficit against the experienced side coached by Lamine N’Diaye.

“USM Alger is a respected club and N’Diaye is a highly experienced coach. We respect them, but we will approach the game with balance to achieve our objective,” he stated. “Our supporters will give us motivation rather than pressure, and we want to produce a performance worthy of Zamalek’s history.”

The Zamalek manager also came to the defence of defender Hossam Abdelmaguid, who faced criticism following the first-leg defeat.

“Defenders always carry great responsibility and people tend to focus on mistakes,” Gamal explained. “Hossam played very well in Algeria and has been one of our most consistent players recently. One unfortunate moment does not change that. I have spoken with him and assured him that he remains one of our best players.”

Gamal concluded by insisting that the club’s ambitions outweigh any personal considerations regarding his future.

“The most important thing right now is for Zamalek to win the Confederation Cup and the Egyptian Premier League. My future is not the priority at this moment,” he added.