Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal has urged his players to remain grounded and fully focused despite securing a valuable 1–0 away victory over CR Belouizdad in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup semi-final in Algeria.
The result gives the Egyptian giants a slender advantage heading into the return fixture in Cairo, but Gamal insists the tie is far from over and warned against any sense of complacency.
Speaking after the match, he acknowledged the intensity and difficulty of the encounter, praising both sides for their competitive approach in a high-pressure semi-final setting.
“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,” Gamal said.
Zamalek aim
Despite the positive result, the Zamalek boss stressed that the job is only half done and that qualification will depend entirely on the second leg.
A key concern from the match was the injury to forward Juan Bezerra, who was substituted at halftime after complaining of hamstring discomfort. The player had been influential before his withdrawal.
Gamal explained that the decision was precautionary.
“Juan 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 added.
Moataz Gamal tactics
The club is now awaiting medical assessments to determine the extent of the injury ahead of the decisive clash.
Looking ahead to the second leg at Cairo Stadium on April 17, Gamal made it clear that Zamalek must remain disciplined and alert against a dangerous Belouizdad side.
“Zamalek has finished the first half, and there is the second half, which is the most important in Egypt,” he said. “The return match will be difficult… the result is deceptive, and Zamalek has not yet secured qualification.”
With a place in the final at stake, Gamal’s message was simple: Zamalek must finish the job in front of their home supporters
