Zamalek's new coach Hossam Hassan has revealed his regret after the 1-0 loss to Congolese side AS Vita Club and leaving the CAF Champions League in the group stage.

Zamalek's hopes of reaching the African Champions League semis were dashed after losing to AS Vita Club 1-0 in Alexandria on Sunday.

Sentuma Yunus scored after a terrible mistake by keeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal in the 54th minute to kill the Whites' chances of remaining in the hunt for their first title since 2002.

"I will work hard to heal the players' dip in form in the CAF Champions League and prepare them well for the season's start," Hassan was quoted as saying on a television programme after the game.

Zamalek are scheduled to face Sudanese side Al-Hilal in the final game of the CAF Champions League group stage in two weeks, a week before playing Cairo giants Ahly in the Egypt Super Cup.

"The Al-Hilal game will be good preparation for the players ahead of the Super Cup game against Ahly," the Zamalek coach added.

The loss is first for the Whites under new coach Hossam Hassan who was eyeing a winning debut in his second stint with the team.

"I thank the players, management and fans for their support and confidence but the coming will be better for the team as I aim to build a new squad," the tactician said.

Egypt Super Cup showdown

Under the helm of coach Hassan, Egypt Cup holders Zamalek will face arch-rivals and Egyptian Premier League winners Ahly in the Egypt Super next September.

"I promise the Super Cup game will be a good start for the team as we are working to please our fans by winning this game," Hossam Hassan said.

"I took the lead of the team a short time before the CAF Champions League game while the Super Cup we have enough time to prepare well," he concluded.

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