Zamalek SC technical director Moataz Gamal has expressed confidence ahead of his side’s CAF Confederation Cup final clash against USM Alger, describing the encounter as a major challenge while insisting the Egyptian side are fully prepared for the occasion.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference before Saturday’s first-leg final in Algeria, Gamal began by offering condolences to Zamalek midfielder Mohamed Shehata following the death of his father.
Attention then quickly turned to the highly anticipated continental final, which will take place at 5 July Stadium before the return leg in Cairo next week.
“Facing USM Alger is a big challenge against a strong opponent, and the final will be played over two legs, the first in Algeria and the second in Egypt. We are ready for the match and we look forward to achieving a positive result in the first leg before playing the return match in front of our fans,” Gamal said.
The Zamalek official stressed that the club approaches every opponent with respect, while making it clear that securing a favourable result away from home remains the immediate objective.
“Zamalek respects any opponent it faces, and every match has its own circumstances and requirements. Our goal is to achieve a positive result in the first leg, and I hope that we can repeat the scenario of the first leg against CR Belouizdad in the first leg of the Confederation Cup semi-final, and achieve victory away from home.”
Gamal acknowledged the strength of the Algerian side, highlighting both the quality of their squad and the technical setup behind the team.
“USM Alger is a strong competitor, with a respectable technical staff and a distinguished group of players, but Zamalek wants to achieve a positive result that will make the team’s task easier during the return leg.”
The technical director also pointed to Zamalek’s extensive experience in African competitions as a potential advantage. According to Gamal, the club has deliberately separated domestic concerns from continental ambitions in order to maintain full concentration on the final.
“Zamalek has experience in African championships, and we have separated the league matches and the competition for the title from the Confederation Cup final. Our focus is currently on the African championship, and I see myself as lucky to have a large number of leaders in the team, and I hope to win the Confederation Cup title before returning to compete for the league.”
Zamalek travelled to Algeria shortly after completing their recent league fixture against Smouha SC, a decision Gamal said was intended to maximise preparation time.
“After finishing the Smouha match in the league, we preferred to come to Algeria a few hours after the local match, as it is our second home. I thank everyone for the warm welcome and hospitality, and we were keen to prepare for the next match against USM Alger.”
The coach also addressed the intense atmosphere expected inside the stadium, insisting his players are accustomed to pressure in major African fixtures.
“Zamalek has been through similar situations, the last of which was in the semi-finals. We take advantage of the fans’ presence and turn it into positive motivations for the team, in order to achieve a positive result. We hope that luck will be on our side in tomorrow’s match to make Zamalek fans happy before playing the return match in Cairo.”
Gamal further noted that Zamalek are familiar with the venue and believes the playing surface will suit his side’s style.
“This is not the first time that Zamalek will play matches at the 5 July Stadium, which is similar to Cairo International Stadium. The pitch is good and will help us implement our plans, which is good for us, and I hope that we will be successful and achieve a positive result.”
The first leg of the Confederation Cup final is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 local Cairo time, while the return match will take place on 16 May at Cairo International Stadium.
