Zamalek edge past Misr Insurance as Ahmed Radwan urges focus on league

Zamalek advanced to the last 16 of the Egypt Cup after beating Misr Insurance 3-2 in their round-of-32 tie at Cairo Stadium.

Despite the defeat, Misr Insurance manager Ahmed Radwan said his side improved during the match and used the occasion to demonstrate their ability against the league champions.

“We agreed with the players that we would play without pressure, especially as we were facing the league champions and a big team,” Radwan told On Sport.

“It was a good opportunity to show everyone our capabilities and demonstrate that there is a hard-working club with a good project.”

Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Sherif and Adam Kaied scored for Zamalek, while Guinea international Daouda Kamara and Hesham Yehia were on target for Misr Insurance.

Radwan said the club had been working to build greater understanding within the squad after making significant changes during the current campaign.

“Last season was not the best for us, but this season we signed 25 players,” he said. “As time goes on, the understanding between the members of the team is improving.

“We now have to focus on the league because it is the most important competition for us.”

The Misr Insurance manager also highlighted the contribution of players who do not normally start, saying the fixture schedule had forced him to rotate his squad.

“We used some non-regular players against Zamalek, such as goalkeeper Mahmoud Ismail and Hamada El-Shafie, because of the pressure of the matches and the short time between the fixtures,” Radwan said.

“That forced us to rotate the players, and they performed well during the match. That is one of the positives, despite the defeat.”

Zamalek’s victory secured their place in the last 16, where they will face Eastern Company, who beat Proxy by the same scoreline.

Radwan ended by praising other coaches working in the second division and said they needed opportunities to show what they could do.

“I am not talking about myself, but there are many distinguished coaches in the second division,” he said. “They only need to be given the opportunity to prove their abilities.”