We haven’t qualified for Confederation Cup final yet – Zamalek coach Moataz Gamal

Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal has urged caution and focus from his outfit despite their crucial 1-0 away victory over CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final in Algeria.

For him, the tie remains open, insisting that his side must complete the job in Cairo to secure a place in the final.

Speaking after the match, Gamal acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter and praised both teams for their intensity in a high-pressure semi-final.

“The match was difficult for both teams as I expected. CR Belouizdad is a strong competitor with distinguished players, but Zamalek took advantage of the experience of its players and imposed its style for most of the match and achieved the desired goal,” he said.

Despite the victory, he made it clear that the result offers no comfort ahead of the return leg.

A major talking point from the match was the injury to Juan Bezerra, who had been influential in the first half before being withdrawn at halftime.

Gamal explained that the decision was purely precautionary after the forward reported hamstring discomfort.

“Joan Bezerra was sad after leaving due to injury after complaining of a hamstring problem. He wanted to continue, but I refused to risk him because the team needed his services in the return match,” he stated.

Medical assessments are expected to determine the extent of the issue ahead of the second leg.

The coach stressed that the Cairo return fixture is effectively the decisive half of the tie, urging his players to remain fully focused.

“Zamalek has finished the first half, and there is the second half, which is the most important in Egypt,” Gamal said.

He added that the team must remain disciplined and alert against a Belouizdad side he described as tactically modern and dangerous.

“The return match will be difficult, and CR Belouizdad is a team that plays modern football. The result is deceptive, and Zamalek has not yet secured qualification.”

While Zamalek hold a slender advantage thanks to their first-leg win, Gamal’s message was clear: nothing has been decided yet. The team’s performance in Algeria has given them a platform, but the job must be completed at home.

The decisive second leg is scheduled for April 17 at Cairo Stadium, where Zamalek will aim to secure qualification for the Confederation Cup final in front of their supporters.