Pacheco: Zamalek decision makes sense now

by Staff Reporter

Sunday May 07, 2023. 15:00

Pyramids head coach Jaime Pacheco claims he understands the reason for Zamalek’s withdrawal from the Egyptian Super Cup after his side lost 1-0 to Al Ahly on Friday.

Ousted White Knights president Mortada Mansour revealed earlier this week that the Egyptian Premier League champions had decided to boycott the clash against the Egypt Cup winners in Abu Dhabi.

Mansour cited grievances with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) for their refusal to participate in the Super Cup following the decision to appoint local match officials for the crunch clash at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

Pyramids, who finished runners-up in the league last season, were subsequently given Zamalek’s spot and succumbed 1-0 to the Red Eagles after extra time, with Ali Maaloul scoring the winner from the penalty spot in the 96th minute.

Pacheco refused to reveal any specifics for fear of reprisal from the EFA but suggested that his eyes have been opened to certain elements after suffering a third final at the hands of Al Ahly.

“I’m not going to talk too much and go into any details. I have great respect for Al Ahly and for their management,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“I will not speak so as not to be punished by the Egyptian Football Association and now I understand why Mortada Mansour refused to participate in the Super Cup, so I greet him.

“I’m not speaking badly about anyone, I have respect for the whole system, I have no problem with anyone, and I won’t talk in detail so I won’t get punished.

“After 10 or 20 years of history, it will be mentioned that Al Ahly won the match and nothing else will be mentioned, but I understood many things and I have a bigger view.”