Zamalek Coach Proud Of Team Masterclass

Zamalek coach Patrice Carteron is proud of his players after a shocking 3-1 defeat of African Super Cup favourites Esperance Tunis in the final played on Friday.

Youssef Ibrahim gave Zamalek a dream start with a second-minute opener but Abdelraouf Benguit brought Esperance level from the penalty spot.

Moroccan attacker Achraf Bencharkir restored the White Knights lead just before the hour-mark before adding on another deep into stoppage time, shattering the Blood and Gold hopes of a third Super Cup crown.

“We’re very proud, it’s not easy to beat the CAF Champions League champions twice in a row. We know Esperance really well, they’re a very strong side but we performed really well and we could’ve scored more goals in the first half,” Carteron told beIN Sports after the game.

“We lost a bit of focus after the equalizer but we remained calm and confident. The players worked really hard and they deserve the win.”

Cateron faced criticism over the team’s negative tactics during the first stanza as they failed to utilize many chances that came on their way.

But his strategy here paid off handsomely against Esperance as Algerian star Abdelraouf Benguit was well policed by a superbly organised Zamalek defence.

“The players were exceptional and didn’t leave any spaces for the opponent, we stopped all their crosses, we were really good in the counter-attacks and we could’ve scored more goals,” Cateron noted.

“I’m happy with the team’s spirit, the result and the win and now let us celebrate,” he concluded.

Zamalek will face arch-rivals Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup on Thursday 20 February and in the domestic league four days later.