Ahmed Abdel Raouf stands by Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi after late error against Kaizer Chiefs

Zamalek coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf expressed his appreciation for his players’ performance against South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs after their CAF Confederation Cup group match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Zamalek struck early through Seifeddine Jaziri in the third minute, but deep into stoppage time a harmless cross slipped from goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi’s hands and rolled into the net, costing the team two precious points.

In his post-match press conference, Abdel Raouf said: “I thank the players for what they did, we played a big game against a team with a big name like Kaizer Chiefs.” He stressed that Zamalek controlled the first half, limited the hosts’ danger and allowed them only one real chance after the break, while the Cairo side wasted several opportunities that could have settled the result much earlier.

Abdel Raouf also shouldered responsibility for the painful equaliser, explaining: “Conceding a goal from a mistake in the final minutes is my personal responsibility, and we are all saddened to lose two points at the end.” He insisted that Zamalek remain a big club competing for every title and described Mohamed Sobhi as “a great goalkeeper,” refusing to single him out for blame.

The coach underlined that the draw still gives Zamalek a valuable point and that focus will now turn to winning the group. “We took a point and will prepare for the coming matches to fight for top spot in the group. I refuse to talk about refereeing today,” he added.

The result leaves Zamalek on four points from two games in Group D, in second place behind Al Masry, who made it two wins from two by beating Zambia’s Zesco United 3-2 after previously overcoming Kaizer Chiefs 2-1.