Zamalek wants to win CAF CC title, says coach Gomez

• Zamalek beat Ghanaian side Dreams 3-0 in their backyard
• Two Egyptian teams have both made Continental finals with Ahly playing in the CL
• They will face Morocco’s RS Berkane in the final

Zamalek SC head coach Jose Gomez says the team is determined to clinch the CAF Confederation Cup title, after the White Knights made it to the final following a 3-0 aggregate win saw them edge out Ghanaian side Dreams FC in the semi-finals.

Gomez lauded his team’s composure and professionalism as they dispatched the Ghanaians at home, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg that was played in Cairo.

“We worked hard and came to win, and I said before the match that when everything is under our control, we can perform at the best level possible for us,” Gomez said, speaking after the victory.

The tactician added; “I saw a lot of different things from the start. We created spaces and deserved to win. Dreams played a good match and attacked well.”

In the final, Zamalek will now take on Morocco’s RS Berkane, who are previous winners of the title. Gomez says their focus remains going all the way to clinch the crown, and they will give their best to ensure they do so.

“Zamalek is looking forward to winning the title, and we will do our best to win the CAF Confederation Cup,” the tactician affirmed.

Zamalek knew of tough task in return tie

Zamalek players line up before their match against Dreams FC. PHOTO/Zamalek

After playing to a barren draw in the first leg, Zamalek knew they had to win a match to be sure of a place in the finale, though a scoring draw would have still been a good result for them as it would have sailed them on the away goal rule.

But, they knew Dreams, who were playing at home, would come into the match charged up for victory especially picking confidence from the first leg played away from home.

Zamalek started on the front foot and within half hour of the match had already taken crisp control of proceedings.

Dreams had their first effort at goal from a freekick that was well saved by the keeper, but Zamalek took that as a cue and warning to get their act together. They opened the scoring after just 12 minutes.  Hamza Mathlouthi broke the deadlock when he extended a foot at the backpost to tap home a well drilled corner from Mostafa ‘Zizo’ Mohamed, catching the Dreams backline asleep.

On the other end, Dreams had two close attempts to draw the tie level, but the Zamalek backline defended with absolute heart to ensure the scores remained the same. Hossam Abdelmaguid made two vital blocks inside the box to ensure the home side didn’t get back into contention.

Zamalek then went 2-0 up and surely secured the tie after 27 minutes, Beninese forward Samson Akinyoola scoring with some brilliant piece of skill.

The burly attacker picked up Mostafa Shalaby’s pass inside the box, before some fancy stepovers handed him space insiode the box and curling home a low shot past the keeper.

Dreams’ hopes dashed by resolute Zamalek

Zamalek’s Seifeddine Jaziri celebrates. PHOTO/Zamalek

With a 2-0 score to chase, Dreams saw their hopes heavily tainted, the second goal punching the gas off their chests.

It was absolutely game over in the 58^th minute of the match when the Dreams backline was caught out of place, Seifeddine Jaziri picking the ball and slicing it through to Shalaby who controlled and beat the keeper with a low shot, adding a goal to his single assist of the day.

Dreams put in a fight to try and put some respect to the score, but Zamalek defended well to ensure they are in the final, giving a chance to Egypt to sweep both Continental titles with Ahly already in the final of the CAF Champions League.

“We worked hard and came to win. When everything is under our control, we can perform at the best level,” the Zamalek coach said after the match.

They will take on Berkane in the final, the Moroccans having gone through on a 6-0 aggregate scores after benefitting from a pair of forfeitures from defending champions USM Alger.

Apolitical tiff meant the first leg was not played in Algeria. According to Berkane, Alger confiscated their uniforms which had a map and a flag of Morocco, which they didn’t want used in the game and in turn, Berkane refused to play with some replacement kits given to them by their hosts.

CAF awarded the first leg result to Berkane, on a 3-0 basis. In turn, Alger refused to travel to Morocco for the return fixture and hence, gave another 3-0 forfeiture.

The Algerians are expected to face huge financial sanctions from CAF for their dual forfeitures.