Zamalek coach Gomes hails quality of TotalEnergies CAF ...
Published: Monday, 20 May 2024
Zamalek head coach Jose Gomes hailed the quality of play in the final of TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup after his Egyptian side edged RS Berkane 1-0 on Sunday to win the trophy.
The Portuguese trainer praised his side's supreme focus as the key factor behind their dramatic final success over the Moroccan club to clinch their second tile of the competition.
The White Knights overturned a 2-1 first leg deficit by beating the Moroccan side 1-0 in Sunday's return fixture in Cairo to be crowned African club football's secondary champions for just the second time in their history.
Ahmed Hamdi's first-half strike proved the matchwinner on the day, but Gomes was quick to deflect praise onto his players' mentality and commitment over the two legs.
"The team started very strongly, and we could have scored more goals in the first half," said the Portuguese tactician.
"African football deserves recognition for the quality of this final, and we won because we stayed focused."
Gomes also reserved special praise for the impact of Zamalek's vociferous home support at the Cairo International Stadium.
"The fans were unbelievably fantastic," he beamed. "They drove the players on and were our extra man."
The 52-year-old, who only took over in February, is now setting his sights on more continental success by targeting the 2023 CAF Super Cup against either Al Ahly or Esperance.
"I would prefer to win the CAF Super Cup, regardless of the opponent we face in the final," he stated bullishly.
Gomes also stressed his desire to remain at Zamalek long-term as they target building on this latest piece of silverware.
"I am happy to be Zamalek's coach. I am under contract with the club and am now focused on preparing the team for our next Egyptian Premier League match against Modern Future."
It marks a dream start to life in Egyptian football for the former Al Taawoun boss, who has quickly cemented his status as a fans' favourite at the Cairo giants.
