File Photo:Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour (Photo: Ahram)
Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour believes his side did not deserve to win following their narrow 1-0 league victory over Masry at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium on Friday.
Forced to cope with a host of injury-related absences, Zamalek manager Moamen Soliman fielded an unusual 4-3-3 formation that featured natural full-back Hosni Fathi in the team's attacking trio, as his side failed to overcome Masry's immense pressure for long spells.
The Whites eventually had to rely on a first-half header from returnee Ahmed Gaafar following a pin-point cross from left-back Mohamed Nassef, a goal that proved to be the winner in a match that was totally dominated by the Port-Said club.
"I am not happy at all with every aspect of the team's play against Masry," Mansour, renowned for his tendency to change managers regularly, told a radio station.
"I am not happy with the team's display, the starting lineup, or all those players who were fielded out of position.
"Zamalek did not deserve victory; Masry wasted three clear-cut chances and deserved to win instead.
"That is not the display that pleases the Zamalek fans."
Just a minute into the opening period, Zamalek understudy keeper Mahmoud 'Gennesh' was forced into a save, the first of a succession of stops that followed throughout the game.
Masry, managed by ex-Zamalek striker and manager Hossam Hassan, had a first-half penalty appeal and were unlucky to see substitute Hermann Kouao's stoppage-time effort denied by the woodwork.
Zamalek, on the other side, failed to threaten their opponents' goal more often, with manager Soliman opting to sit back and defend his slender lead throughout the second half.
The Egypt Cup holders are currently 10th on the league table with 10 points, but have four games in hand.
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