Zamalek coach Christian Gross (Photo:Al-Ahram)
Zamalek deserve their spot in the African Confederation Cup final, according to their Swiss coach Christian Gross, who stressed that Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel was a tough match.
The White Knights ensured their first ever final spot in Africa's secondary club competition with a 1-0 aggregate win, as they had won the semis’ first leg 1-0 in Alexandria a week ago.
“The game was a very difficult one, but we managed to achieve our target, reaching the final,” Gross said at the press conference after the match.
Zamalek will meet Morocco's RS Berkane in a two-legged final later this month.
“The worst moment was when our goalkeeper Mahmoud Gennesh was sent off. Also, there were difficult moments at the start of both the first and the second half, amid the intense pressure from our opponents,” he added.
Through last night's victory over Etoile, Zamalek avenged their elimination at the hands of the Tunisian side from the same stage in the tournament in the 2015 edition, when they suffered a 5-4 aggregate loss.
“We delivered an outstanding defensive performance against Etoile du Sahel. Our defenders were like lions and managed to overcome the furious attacking strategy of the Tunisian team,” Zamalek coach explained.
“We deserve to be in the final. We played very well and our goal in the first leg by Mahmoud Kahraba was a decisive one.
“I have full confidence in our substitute keeper Emad El-Sayed, who will play in the final’s first leg against Morocco's RS Berkane,” he concluded.
The Cairo giants have won the elite Champions League five times but have never won Africa's secondary club competition.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: