‘We respect Belouizdad but do not fear them’ – Zamalek coach ahead of semi-final
Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal says his side are fully prepared for a “difficult” encounter against CR Belouizdad as they begin their TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup semi-final campaign in Algeria on Friday.
The Egyptian club travel to Algiers for the first leg at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, aiming to secure a positive result ahead of the return fixture in Cairo.
Gamal said preparations began immediately upon arrival following a domestic league match, with the squad in strong physical and technical condition.
He acknowledged the challenge posed by the Algerian side, insisting his team will need focus and experience to gain an advantage in the tie.
In an exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, Gamal outlined his expectations and approach to the crucial semi-final clash.
CAFonline.com: Hello, how are you preparing for the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final?
Moataz Gamal: We started preparing immediately upon arriving in Algeria after playing a tough league match against Al-Masry Club. All the players are fully prepared for the match against CR Belouizdad in order to achieve a positive result before the return match in Cairo.
You will be facing a strong team, CR Belouizdad of Algeria. What are your thoughts on the match?
Facing CR Belouizdad is important and difficult for both teams. We are aware of the difficulty of the match, and the opponent did not qualify by chance. They are a strong and organised team, and just as they have studied us, we have also studied them carefully.
The first leg will be away from home, and the return leg will be in Cairo. Do you see that as an advantage?
The semi-final is played over two legs. Our focus is to get a positive result in Algeria that will make the return leg in Cairo easier. Playing in front of our fans will give us an advantage, but first we must do our job away from home.
What are the keys to victory in Algeria?
Zamalek has experienced players, and that gives us confidence. We understand the importance of this match against a strong opponent on their home ground. We respect CR Belouizdad, but we do not fear them. They are balanced in their play, and their recent coaching change could motivate them further. We have prepared well and studied their style.
Zamalek will be without Mohamed Sobhi and Chico Banza. How will that affect the team?
Zamalek is a big team with quality players. We have three international goalkeepers who can step in. As for Chico Banza, he has a knee ligament injury, but we have alternatives. The squad is almost complete, and the players are ready to give everything.
What is your message to Zamalek fans?
I thank the fans for their support. They have played a big role in what we have achieved so far. We expect their continued support in Cairo, as always.
Zamalek are aiming to take a crucial step towards the final, but face a Belouizdad side equally determined to make home advantage count in what promises to be a tightly contested first leg.