Zamalek coach Mohamed Salah (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Zamalek manager Mohamed Salah said that their major target was to secure a win or a draw in their derby clash with arch-rivals Ahly in the Egyptian league on Thursday.
Zamalek and Ahly played out a 1-1 draw, with Walid Soliman cancelling out Ayman Hefni's goal in the first half – as the Whites remained on top of the table with eight points separating them with their derby rivals.
"Our main aim was to achieve either draw or a win, and we managed to secure one of them to remain in command of the table," Salah said in the post-match news conference.
"The absences adversely affected us, but the players played well and did what they were required to do."
"However, they failed to maintain their slender lead for the 15 minutes that followed their opening goal, despite instructing them to do so."
"Ahmed Ali did not participate through injury. The reason for our late changes was our fear of further injuries."
"On a personal level, I wasn't at all affected with all the reports indicating that I'll be sacked should I lose the game."
Zamalek entered the game without striker Khaled Kamar and midfielder Maarouf Youssef, who are currently serving a one-month ban after signing for two clubs in the summer.
Mohamed Salah's men took the lead in the 32nd minute through midfield wizard Ayman Hefni, but their celebrations did not last for long, with Wald Soliman restoring parity just two minutes later.
Salah opted to give striker Ahmed Ali the nod ahead of Bassem Mosry against Ahly, but the former was forced off through injury before the end of the first half to be replaced by the latter.
Zamalek are now widely expected to appoint a foreign manager to replace Salah, who managed to secure three wins and a single draw in four games.
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