Zamalek Brazilian coach Vieira ‘sorry’ for CAF Champions League loss

Eslam Omar, Monday 20 Aug 2012

Zamalek new coach blames referee and defense for TP Mazembe defeat

Vieira
Jorvan Vieira (Photo: Reuters)

Zamalek newly-appointed Brazilian tactician Jorvan Vieira expressed his sorrow for Sunday’s home defeat against TP Mazembe of DR Congo in the round four of the CAF Champions League group stage.

The-59-year-old manager who succeeds Hassan Shehata after three successive losses promised when he signed his contract to “qualify for the African Semis despite all the challenges." But now the Cairo-based club goodbyes their dream after lying bottom of Group B with no points.

“I am apologising for Zamalek fans over the defeat. The defense line made many mistakes although I warned them in the previous training sessions,” Vieira said in the post-match press conference.

Two first-half goals by Hichani Himoonde and Mbwana Samata, 32 and 44 minutes into the game, gave the visitors the upper hand while Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi scored Zamale only goal the 35th minute.

The manager, who had a long experience in Arabs football coaching many Gulf clubs in UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, also blamed the “unfair referee” adding that “after the African championship exit, I have no choice now but to put the team again on the right track."

In the same round, Zamalek archrivals Ahly hold on to top spot of the same group with 10 points after drawing with Ghana’s Berekum Chelsea (5 points), while Mazembe boosted their qualification bid securing second with seven points.

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