Zamalek cite limited preparation after 3-0 Egypt Capital Cup defeat by Zed

Zamalek assistant coach Ahmed Rizk said a lack of preparation time contributed to the club’s 3-0 defeat by Zed in the opening round of the Egypt Capital Cup group stage.

Zamalek had only two days to prepare for the match, with several players joining the squad less than 24 hours before kick-off.

Speaking at the post-match news conference, Rizk said: “The team prepared for the match against Zed in the Egypt Capital Cup for only two days before the game.”

He added that a number of players had been away with Egypt’s youth teams before returning to the club.

“There were many players who joined the camp less than 24 hours before the match because they had been with the Egypt under-2007 team, which took part in the North Africa tournament,” he said.

“Players from the under-2009 team also returned from Switzerland after participating in the Friendship friendly tournament.”

Zamalek fielded a group containing young players, and Rizk stressed that the club had a strong record of promoting academy players to its first team.

“Zamalek are the club in Egypt that promotes the most youth players to the first team, and this has been clear to everyone recently,” he said.

Rizk also urged patience over the performances of the younger members of the squad, saying players should not be judged on one appearance.

“There is no assessment of a player based on one match, and everyone is waiting for Ahmed Safwat and Hossam Ashour El-Taqi to produce impressive performances,” he said.

He said Zamalek remained committed to competing for every available trophy, while pointing to last season’s league title as evidence that young players could make an important contribution.

“Zamalek always aim to compete for all competitions and titles,” Rizk said. “The club succeeded in winning the league last season by relying on some youth players.”

Zed took the lead shortly before half-time when Marwan Hagig scored in the 40th minute with an impressive finish.

The goal left Zed 1-0 ahead at the interval, but the match was settled soon after the restart.

Ahmed Atef scored twice in quick succession, finding the net in the 53rd and 55th minutes to complete Zed’s 3-0 victory.

The result gives Zed a strong start to the group stage, while Zamalek begin their Egypt Capital Cup campaign with a heavy defeat.