Pacheco keeps feet on ground as Egypt's Zamalek book final ticket

Ahram Online , Thursday 5 Nov 2020

"Reaching the final is very good news indeed, but nothing is won yet," says Pacheco

Pacheco

Zamalek coach Jaime Pacheco sounded a note of caution even after his side reached the African Champions League final with an impressive win over Raja, saying the title had not been won yet.

The White Knights came from behind to beat the Moroccan side 3-1 for a 4-1 aggregate victory, setting up an all-Egyptian final against arch-rivals Ahly.

"Reaching the final is very good news indeed, but nothing is won yet," Portuguese coach Pacheco, whose ultra-defensive tactics almost cost Zamalek against Raja, told the post-match news conference.

Zamalek paid for their over-reliance on defence when Raja, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, levelled the aggregate score two minutes into the second half via a deflected shot from Congolese striker Ben Malango.

But having thrown caution to the wind following Raja's goal, Zamalek demonstrated their potent attacking force.

Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, back to the fold after recovering from the coronavirus, equalised with a superb striker two minutes after the hour mark before striker Mostafa Mohamed netted a brace in the space of three minutes in the dying stages.

"Raja had the better of the first half but we still created the better chances," Pacheco added.

"We turned things upside down in the second half, but I have to greet Raja players for their efforts throughout the game."

Zamalek will meet Ahly in the anticipated final at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium on 27 November.

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