Zamalek coach emphasizes respect for RS Berkane ahead of CAF Confederation Cup final
Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, at the helm of Egypt’s Zamalek SC, has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Morocco’s RS Berkane in the upcoming second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Gomes stressed the need for his team to deliver a flawless performance to overturn the first-leg deficit and clinch the title.
“We are aware that it will be an extremely tough match,” Gomes stated. “We know we are up against a highly organized team, and we need to play at 100% of our capacity.
We are ready, and while anything can happen, everyone expects us to turn the result around. Zamalek is stronger than Berkane.”
Reflecting on the first leg, where RS Berkane took an early lead, Gomes praised their opponents’ initial performance. “Berkane started the first half of the first leg better than us in the opening 20 minutes and scored.
We respect the work of the referees and the players of Berkane. All I want is for both teams to show their strengths; it’s up to them to strive.”
Gomes highlighted the necessity of maintaining respect for RS Berkane and the pivotal role of fan support. “We will lose the final if we go in with the mindset that we just need to score a winning goal. We must respect Berkane and acknowledge their strengths.
I know that having the support of our fans will be incredibly important and will give us additional strength.”
