Coach of Egypt's Zamalek, Jesualdo Ferreira (R) of Portugal, reacts during their Egyptian Premier League derby soccer match against Al Ahly at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium", west of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, July 21, 2015. The match was played without spectators due to security reasons. (Reuters)
Zamalek manager Jesualdo Ferreira said his players' lack of experience and confidence is the main reason for his side's 2-0 loss against Ahly in Tuesday's Cairo derby.
A Moemen Zakareya double gave Ahly a win over arch rivals Zamalek at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium, with the losing side appearing a pale shadow of the side that have tormented most of their Premier League opponents this season, having failed to create a single goal-scoring chance.
Zamalek's loss put their title celebrations on hold. They needed only a draw against Ahly to be crowned champions for the first time since 2004.
However, they remain favourites to end their barren run as they need one point from their remaining two games against Talae El-Geish and Wadi Degla.
"My players lacked experience and confidence tonight,'' Portuguese coach Ferreira told the post-match news confernece.
"Ahly played the game without pressure as their chance to win the league title is minimal. Our position in the table put a great pressure on the shoulders of my players, who looked to win the competition tonight.
"Their lack of experience didn't allow them to lift that burden and that's why they appeared in such a poor form. On the other hand, Ahly's players have a great experience that helped them during the game."
"They won the league several times and they gained a great confidence, which is not the case with my players," he added.
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