Jorvan Vieira (Photo: Reuters)
Zamalek coach Jorvan Vieira eyes getting full marks in the coming matches of the Egyptian Premier League, lauding Monday's win over Arab Contractors as pivotal in raising players' morale again.
Zamalek joined rivals Ahly in the League final phase after beating Contractors 1-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group A in the league's new format, with 33 points from 11 games – nine clear of second-placed Ismaily.
The win came as a relief for the White Knights after last week's 2-1 defeat to Petrojet, which put a crimp in their ten-match winning streak.
"The match was not easy, especially that our opponents depended on defence, but we played better than we did against Petrojet," Vieira said after the match.
"Winning the match was our main target and we achieved it. It was instrumental to get the three points to continue our campaign successfully and also to raise the players' morale again after the Petrojet defeat.
"Winning the remaining four matches before entering the league final phase or at least passing three will be a must for us to keep our position at the top of our group," added the Portuguese coach.
The Cairo giants, hoping to end a nine-year league drought, will play in the final mini-league alongside arch-rivals Ahly, who have already reached the final phase after defeating Haras El-Hodoud 2-1 on Sunday.
Zamalek foes Ahly currently occupy the top of Group A with 30 points, seven clear of second-placed ENNPI.
The top two in Groups A and B will qualify for the final round, where a mini-league with only home fixtures will be held to determine the champion.
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