Hector Cuper of Argentina, head coach of Egypt's national soccer team, speaks during a press conference at the soccer federation headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, March 10, 2015 (Photo: AP)
Egypt's national team coach Hector Cuper has praised Zamalek after their 3-0 win over Tunisia's Etoile du Sahel on Saturday in the second leg of the African Confederation Cup semifinal.
"Zamalek gave a footballing lesson and all their fans must be proud of them for what they delivered in a very tough match," the Argentine tactician said on the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) website on Sunday.
Despite the victory, the Egyptian league and cup winners failed to make to the final, going down 5-4 on aggregate due to a heavy 5-1 away defeat last week.
"What Zamalek proved is that Egyptian football is back on track and returning to glory," the 59-year-old coach said, adding that "their determined winning spirit despite the early red card shows that these players are responsible and capable of delivering better performances".
The Cairo giants garnered praise from fans, even those of rivals Ahly, on social media after the game.
Ahly are Egypt's other representatives in the continent's secondary tournament. They won it last time round and continue their defence against South Africa's Orlando Pirates on Sunday in the other semifinal.
Egypt's national team begin a training camp this week ahead of two friendlies games in UAE, against Senegal on 8 October and Zambia three days later.
The seven-time champions of Africa are preparing for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. They will face the winner Sierra Leone versus Chad in the first stage of the qualifiers.
Egypt are also involved in 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, currently sitting top of Group G with six points having beaten Tanzania 3-1 in June and Chad 5-1 in September. Egypt face Nigeria on 23 March 2016 in their next Group G tie.
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