Motamed Gamal: Zamalek dealing with injuries ahead of African tie

Zamalek manager Motamed Gamal said his side were having to cope with circumstances beyond their control after their 1-0 victory over Petrol Asyut in the Egyptian Premier League.

Ahmed Sherif scored the only goal at Borg El Arab Stadium as Zamalek returned to winning ways in the league during the seventh round of the competition.

“The most important thing in these matches is to win and remain in the race for the league title, especially as we are preparing for an important CAF Champions League match against the Rwandan Army,” Gamal said at his post-match news conference.

“I thank the players for what they produced in the game, and I also thank the fans for their support in every match.”

Sherif gave Zamalek the lead in the 26th minute after a serious defensive error by Petrol Asyut. The result lifted Zamalek to 16 points and third place, while it was their fifth league win of the season.

Gamal said selection decisions were being made according to each match and the condition of individual players.

“We always choose the player most suitable for the position, and decide who needs rest based on the nature of every match,” he said. “Youssef Wael has recently returned after a period out. Since the result was still in the balance, Mohamed Ismail played because he has greater experience. If the margin had been slightly wider, I might have brought on Youssef.”

Omar Gaber operated in midfield because of Mahmoud Jihad’s injury, although Gamal said the position was familiar to him.

“Omar Gaber played there because of Jihad’s injury, and it is not a new position for him,” he said. “With injuries, fatigue and travel, I always try to choose what is best for the team.”

Ahmed El Gafali was left out as the manager plans to reintroduce him gradually, with several players competing for his position.

“I am trying to involve him with the team step by step, particularly because there is more than one player in his position,” Gamal said. “He will be with the team soon.”

Gamal also dismissed discussion on social media and insisted that all players were treated equally. On goalkeeper Mohamed Awad, he said Zamalek were preparing all five goalkeepers in the squad, with the demands of each match determining who played.

Mohamed El Sayed could return after Zamalek’s next two matches once he has fully recovered from injury.

Gamal added that Mahmoud Jihad had complained of pain in his adductor or pelvic muscles. The player can become concerned whenever he feels pain, which sometimes leads to him not completing matches.

Zamalek face the Rwandan Army on Saturday evening in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32.

Sherif has now scored three league goals this season and contributed to five goals overall, including two assists in the CAF Champions League. The match was his eighth for Zamalek this season. He contributed to seven goals in 32 appearances last season and needs one more goal to equal his previous total of four.