Zamalek coach says title not sealed despite Nasr win

Mahmoud Elassal , Thursday 16 Jul 2015

Coach Jesualdo Ferreira of Egypt
Coach Jesualdo Ferreira of Egypt's Zamalek reacts during their during their CAF Confederation Cup soccer match against Tunisia's CS Sfaxien at Petro Sport stadium in Cairo, Egypt (Photo: Reuters)

Zamalek manager Jesualdo Ferreira insisted the Egyptian Premier League title has not been secured just yet despite the nine points gap with rivals and second place Ahly in the table.

The Cairo giants ensured they would be crowned champions of the Egyptian Premier League if they seal a point from the coming game against Ahly next week after beating Nasr 4-0 on Wednesday.

A hat-trick from striker Bassem Morsi inspired Zamalek to a thumping 4-0 victory over already-relegated Nasr on Wednesday to come within one point of their first Egyptian Premier League title in 11 years.

"Today's win didn't secure the title just yet, but I am confident that we will achieve it," Ferreira told the post-game press conference.

"We made use of all scoring chances during the Nasr game and the players performed well," the Zamalek tactician added.

Cairo derby atmosphere

Zamalek, who lock horns with arch-rivals Ahly in the Cairo derby next week, remain top of the table with 83 points, with only one point separating them from their first league title since 2004 with three matches to go.

They will be looking to claim their first win over Ahly since 2007 and claim their 12th league title when they meet on Tuesday.

"We will play Ahly to win not to snatch a point to claim the league title," Zamalek assistant coach Ismail Youssef said.

"We respect Ahly coach Fathi Mabrouk and we will play to win not draw," he added.

"After the Nasr win, we are close to winning the title," Youssef said.

Zamalek are set to face Ahly on Tuesday in the 37th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League.

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