CAIRO – Egyptian giants Zamalek has finished preparations in readiness for the much-anticipated second-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup Final against Moroccan outfit Berkane in Cairo at 10:00pm Cairo Local Time on Sunday.
Zamalek coach Jose Gomes hopes to become the first Portuguese coach to win the CAF Cup.
“I can win trophies with Zamalek. Apart from great footballers, they have passionate supporters who create an incredible atmosphere,” Gomes said according to AFP in Cairo.
“Portuguese coaches are no strangers to Zamalek as Jesualdo Ferreira and Jaime Pacheco were both in charge three times and achieved success.
“Now it is my turn and I also want to succeed, starting with the Confederation Cup final against Berkane.
“I was unhappy with the way we started in Morocco and how we fell two goals behind. We did not play badly, but the opening half did not go according to plan.
Berkane hold a 2-1 aggregate lead after the first leg last Sunday in a repeat of the 2019 title decider won by Zamalek on penalties after a 1-1 overall tie.
The match is a repeat of the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup Final.
Both RS Berkane and Zamalek raised their hands and stamped their authority as the tournament’s firm favourites after finishing top of their respective groups without a single loss enroute to the final.
The Moroccans, who have won the African equivalent of the UEFA Europa League twice, built a two-goal half-time lead through captain Issoufou Dayo and Adil Tahif.
But Tunisian Seifeddine Jaziri halved the deficit in the opening minute of the second half to set up an intriguing return match at the 75,000-seat Cairo International Stadium.
Gomes took the Zamalek reins in January, wanting to improve on winning just one trophy — the 2016 Saudi Super Cup — from head coach stints with 16 clubs in Europe and the Middle East.
Compatriot Manuel Jose won the CAF Champions League a record four times as coach of Al-Ahly, the Cairo neighbours and fierce rivals of Zamalek, between 2001 and 2008.
While the Moroccans have enjoyed more CAF Confederation Cup success than their Egyptian counterparts, having won the title twice and losing out once in the final, Zamalek has proven cup pedigree and will certainly aim at repeating their 2019 success over the Moroccans to halt what could potentially be a five-year continental trophy drought for the White Knights.
Success has eluded Portuguese coaches in the Confederation Cup, however, since it was launched in 2004 after the African Cup Winners Cup and CAF Cup were discontinued.
“To the credit of my players, they scored a potentially precious away goal just after the restart and now I hope for a better performance in the return match.
“We must be particularly careful not to concede set pieces close to our goal as that is a Berkane strength. They have many quick, skilful, technically gifted players.”
Berkane coach Mouin Chaabani has won seven major trophies, including back-to-back CAF Champions League titles with Tunisian giants Esperance in 2018 and 2019.
Born in Tunisia, he coached clubs there and in Egypt before joining Berkane in February and leading them to a fourth Confederation Cup final.
“We faced difficult and strong opponents in Zamalek last weekend and the most important thing was that we won at home,” he told the Moroccan media.
“I know the margin of victory was narrow, and that we conceded a goal, but winning the first leg was crucial.
“After a very good first half, we became lax, and dare not fall into the same trap in Cairo. We must change our strategy and rectify mistakes.”
Zamalek boast an impressive home record in four Confederation Cup appearances of 16 victories and five draws, including winning streaks of nine matches and six.
However, recent home form in the African campaign must concern Gomes as they could only draw with fellow Egyptians Modern Future and Dreams of Ghana in knock-out matches.
Fortunately for Zamalek, they triumphed away against both clubs to reach the final and keep alive hopes of winning a 12th African title.
Facts & Figures
The stakes are high as both teams vie for the title, with the Egyptian seeking to capitalize on their home advantage to overturn the 2-1 first leg deficit against RS Berkane.
RS Berkane will be eager to secure the result that would hand them the title ahead of Zamalek even though the Egyptian giants aim to assert themselves, AFP reported.
Zamalek almost came unstuck in a qualifier for the group stage, trailing minnows Arta Solar from Djibouti 3-0 on aggregate entering the second half of the second leg in Cairo before scoring four times, including a decisive 90th-minute goal from defender Hamza Mathlouthi.
Berkane also battled to get past the qualifying stage, edging long-time African absentees Bendel Insurance from Nigeria 3-2 on aggregate to secure a group-stage place. Oussama Lamlaoui scored the only goal of the second leg in Morocco just before halftime.
Zamalek has suffered two losses, away to Arta Solar and to Berkane in the first leg of the final, while Berkane boast an unbeaten 13-match record, including nine victories. It is the fifth visit by the Moroccans to Egypt in the competition and they have never won there.
Berkane and Zamalek qualifying for the final was no surprise as North African clubs have dominated the Confederation Cup, winning 15 of 20 finals.
Moroccan clubs have been victorious seven times followed by those from Tunisia (five titles), Egypt (two) and Algeria (one).
Renaissance is the third team to take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of a Confederation Cup final. In 2014, Sewe Sport of Ivory Coast then fell 1-0 at Al-Ahly of Egypt and lost on away goals.
Three years later, TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo triumphed by staying ahead on aggregate through a 0-0 draw at SuperSport United of South Africa.
Key players to watch in Final
This will be the second time the two sides meet in the final of this competition, with the last meeting going in favour of the Egyptians courtesy of a 5-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 aggregate scoreline.
CAF online takes a look at four players that could decide the outcome of the two-legged final which will be closely contested by the two strong sides.
Zamalek
Ahmed Mustafa Zizo – Right Winger
The dangerous Ahmed Mostafa Zizou brings is a live wire for the White Knights with his dazzling runs down the rights which are accompanied by goals and assists. The skilful attacker is the team’s top goal scorers this season with 8 goals to his name and will certainly be one to look out for on Sunday.
Another exciting attribute possessed by the attacker is his ability to strike the ball from free kicks as well as his pinpoint crosses that are difficult to deal with in the danger area.
Omar Jaber – Right back
Omar Jaber personifies the modern day right back. Quick in attack and equally good in defence which offers the White Knights the much-needed firepower upfront when needed.
Jaber is enjoying a great season for the Egyptian giants so far and has shown tremendous leadership growth as one of the team’s key players in tough outings such as the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
He will certainly play a key role not only in the team’s defense, but equally so going forward and combining well with the team’s attack.
RS Berkane
Dayo Issoufou – Central Defender
Seasoned Burkinabe international defender, Dayo Issoufou has become a pillar of strength in the RS Berkane defense. The veteran defender, who is now aged 32 bring calmness and direction to the side through his years of experience at both club and national team level.
Issoufou is also deadly in arial situations and will be a point of reference in set pieces should the two-time champions fail at breaking the Zamalek defense in open play.
Yassine Labahiri – Central Midfielder
The midfield maestro possesses a unique ability of passing through the tight spaces, which will most likely be the case against a resilient Zamalek side on Sunday.
Labahiri connects well with both defense and attack and his great passing ability will be key for the Moroccans during the breaking attacks.
