Asyut Petroleum target Zamalek victory as home-ground return moves closer

Asyut Petroleum manager Ahmed Abdel-Maksoud says his side will play for victory when they face Zamalek in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The club recorded their first league win of the season by beating Abu Qir Fertilizers 2-1, but Abdel-Maksoud insists the team’s priority remains securing their top-flight status.

“There have been matches in the league when we did not deserve to lose, or even draw,” Abdel-Maksoud told Modern. “We are playing this season with players who were promoted with us from the Professional League.

“Our stadium situation has made things much harder for us. It has been physically and financially exhausting because we travel for 10 hours every week.”

Asyut Petroleum have been unable to play at their home ground in Asyut while the required security conditions are completed. Abdel-Maksoud revealed that the club’s management is working on the matter and believes the team could return to the stadium within a month.

“The management is working on the required security conditions for our stadium in Asyut, and within a month we may be able to play there normally,” he said.

The manager said he has urged his players to remain confident without allowing either pressure or their recent victory to affect them.

“I always tell the players to believe in themselves, and I do not feel rushed,” he added. “I also ask them not to become excessively happy. I do not care about the Capital Cup or anything else apart from staying in the league.”

Abdel-Maksoud expects Zamalek to make several changes for the fixture because they are facing a demanding period and will play an African match before visiting Asyut Petroleum.

“Zamalek are going through very difficult circumstances and will play an African match before facing us,” he said. “Therefore, I believe they will make several changes to the line-up against us.

“I will certainly play to beat Zamalek because that is my job. A person’s record and reputation come before everything else.”

Asyut Petroleum’s next match will be against Zamalek in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League.