Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal. Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
The Cairo giants missed out on a third Confederation Cup crown after losing 8-7 on penalties to USM Alger at Cairo International Stadium.
Zamalek had won 1-0 in regulation time to level the tie on aggregate before the Algerian side prevailed in the shootout.
“We were below our usual level today because the early goal pushed us back into defence,” Gamal told the post-match press conference.
“We changed the tactics in the second half, which allowed them to dominate possession before the game went to penalties,” he added.
“We prepared well for the penalty shootout, but this is football,” the Zamalek coach said.
Zamalek now shift their focus to domestic competition, with a crucial Egyptian Premier League match against Ceramica Cleopatra scheduled for Wednesday.
The White Knights remain in contention for silverware this season as they top the league standings with 53 points, two ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC, while defending champions Ahly are third on 50 points.
“We will do our best in the coming match to win the league title and save the season,” Gamal said.
“We will continue working to achieve our target,” he added.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: