By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (May 18^th 2024)

Plea for A Fair Game

Zamalek’s coach, José Gomes has the chance of winning silverware despite only being appointed in February, “The game is open,” the Portuguese tactician said. “Anything can happen.”

But Gomes wanted to see a fair game where the best team wins. “I want to see fairness during the game and let the better side on the pitch win,” he told the pre-match press conference.

It was a game of two halves, and even though his team trailed, there was still plenty of time. “For us, tomorrow’s game is the second half in a 180-minute game,” he said.

Bigger?

Gomes was careful – he wanted to be clear that not only was he not disrespecting Berkane, but that he held both Berkane and their coach in high esteem.

“We know that Zamalek is a bigger club than RS Berkane and the supporters know that fact well, but that doesn’t mean that the Moroccan side is not a good team,” the Portuguese tactician explained.

“I respect RS Berkane, its players, and the technical staff. However, we are looking forward to win on aggregate to clinch the title and please our fans.

“Our opponents were the better side at the start of the first leg game and they scored twice, but we restored the balance and managed to score a goal.”

Misinterpreted?

Despite Gomes’ concern that his words were not misinterpreted to lack respect for Berkane, that is exactly how the Moroccans interpreted his comments.

“I am surprised by the statement of the Zamalek coach,” former CAF Champion’s League Moïn Chaâbani responded. “He must respect the opponent because we won the first leg.”

He continued by pointing out that “Pyramids is currently the leader of the Egyptian League and it is a new club that does not have a fan base, and Modern Future is a new team that plays good football in the Confederation.”

He then explained how Berkane was a great club. “Nahdet Berkane has gained great experience in the recent period and won the Confederation title twice in the last 5 years, and is facing big teams in Morocco such as Wydad, Raja and Royal Army [Forces],” Chaâbani said.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s match and we have prepared for all scenarios.

“Zamalek fans will be there to support their team in the match and the players must maintain calm in the match.”