Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal questions refereeing after Cairo derby defeat

Zamalek coach Moatamed Gamal has criticised the refereeing decisions in his side’s 2-0 defeat by arch-rivals Al Ahly in the Cairo derby, while pointing to injuries and suspensions as factors that affected his team’s performance.

Goals from Mohamed Hany and Monsef Bakrar secured victory for Ahly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, lifting the Red Devils temporarily to the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings.

Zamalek players appealed for two penalties after challenges on Angolan winger Chico Banza inside the penalty area, but Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic waved away both claims, with VAR upholding his decisions.

Gamal acknowledged that his side struggled during the first half but said they improved after the interval and created more opportunities before conceding the second goal.

“We weren’t the better side in the first half, but we improved after the break and created more scoring chances before conceding the second goal,” he told a post-match press conference.

The Zamalek coach also highlighted the impact of several absences, explaining that his team had been forced to adjust its approach because of injury and suspension problems.

“We were forced to change our playing style because of injuries and absences, including Oday Dabbagh, as well as Adam Kaied, who sustained a shoulder injury during pre-match training,” Gamal added.

The defeat leaves Zamalek needing to regroup quickly, with attention now turning to their continental campaign.

The Egyptian side will face Rwanda’s APR FC in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League next week.

Gamal said his team would focus on correcting their mistakes and preparing for the challenges ahead.

“We will prepare for the upcoming games and work on avoiding the mistakes we made today,” he said.