Jose Gomes reveals key to Zamalek's CAF Super Cup win

Jose Gomes coach of Zamalek celebrates victory during 2024 CAF Super Cup Al Ahly v Zamalek at Kingdom Arena Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 27 September 2024 ©Weam Mostafa/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Saturday Sep 28, 2024. 15:00

Zamalek head coach Jose Gomes has pointed out that the team spirit was key to his side’s CAF Super Cup win on Friday night.

The Egyptian giants edged out their arch-rivals Al Ahly 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring goal to hand the Red Eagles the lead, but Nasr Mansi’s 77th-minute goal ensured that the Cairo Derby clash ended in a stalemate.

“We should have strength and bravery against a very strong team,” Portuguese tactician Gomes said on Ahramonline after becoming the fifth Zamalek coach to win the CAF Super Cup.

“We dominated most of the game and showed everybody we can win. I’d like to thank all those who told us we wouldn’t win. Your words gave us the motivation we needed.”

It is Zamalek’s fifth CAF Super Cup triumph and only Al Ahly have won it more with eight titles.

The two decorated club will continue their rivalry when the 2024/25 Egyptian Premier League season soon.