Zamalek will fight for league title Despite Confederation Cup final heartbreak – Motamed Gamal

Zamalek head coach Motamed Gamal insists his side remains determined to win the Egyptian Premier League title despite their painful defeat in the CAF Confederation Cup final against USM Alger on Saturday.

The Cairo-based club saw their hopes of securing a third Confederation Cup trophy dashed after suffering an 8-7 penalty shootout defeat to the Algerian side at the Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek had forced the contest to penalties after securing a 1-0 victory in regulation time to level the aggregate score, but USM Alger held their nerve to emerge victorious in the shootout.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gamal admitted his side struggled to reach their usual standards during the encounter.

“We were below our usual level today because the early goal pushed us back into defence,” he said.

The Zamalek trainer explained that tactical changes made after the break shifted momentum in favour of their opponents.

“We changed the tactics in the second half, which allowed them to dominate possession before the game went to penalties,” Gamal added.

Despite the disappointment, Gamal defended his side’s preparation for the shootout.

“We prepared well for the penalty shootout, but this is football,” he stated.

Zamalek will now turn their attention to domestic duties, with a key Egyptian Premier League clash against Ceramica Cleopatra set for Wednesday.

The White Knights remain firmly in the title race, sitting top of the league table with 53 points, two ahead of Pyramids FC, while reigning champions Ahly occupy third place with 50 points.

Gamal believes winning the league would help salvage the season and has urged his players to remain focused.

“We will do our best in the coming match to win the league title and save the season,” he said.

“We will continue working to achieve our target,” Gamal concluded.