Zamalek's coach Ahmed Hossam Mido (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Zamalek coach Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' has berated his team players' performance after a 2-1 shock defeat to Smouha in the Egyptian Premier League Wednesday.
Smouha defeated Zamalek 2-1 in the penultimate game of the final mini-league phase, setting up a title decider against defending champions Ahly.
"Losing to Smouha is due to the players' dip in form," Mido said in interview on television after the game.
"The second goal to Smouha can't be scored by a second division team ... the (Zamalek) players' performance helped the opponent to win the game," he added.
"I informed Zamalek's fans four months ago that the current Zamalek squad can't win the CAF Champions League and Egyptian Premier League," the Zamalek coach said.
Ahly and Smouha are now level on six points, while Zamalek and Petrojet have no points after losing all their two games in the final league phase.
'Smouha will win the league'
The Alexandria side Smouha set up an Egyptian Premier league decider against Ahly who defeated Petrojet 4-0 also on Wednesday. The two sides share the same points while Ahly have a better goal difference.
"Smouha is better than Ahly technically, so I predict the Alexandria side will win the league trophy," Mido announced.
Zamalek will face Petrojet in after the two sides lost their games in the final league phase.
"I will play the Petrojet game with the youngest squad, as we lost hopes of competing for the title," the Zamalek coach concluded.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: