Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal confirmed that his team players gave their best effort against Chabab Belouizdad in the Confederation Cup, noting that the return match will be difficult.

Zamalek won against Chabab Belouizdad with a score of 1-0 on Friday evening in the first leg of the semi-final of the African Confederation Cup.

Motamed Gamal said in the press conference after the match: "I confirmed before the match that it would be difficult for both teams, and Chabab Belouizdad is a strong and respectable competitor with distinguished players. Zamalek utilized the experience of its players and imposed its style for most of the match and achieved the desired goal."

He added: "Zamalek has finished the first half of the confrontation, and there is the second and more important half in Egypt (the return leg), and we hope for success and for the team to qualify for the final match."

He continued: "Zamalek players gave their utmost effort in the match, and our goal was to achieve the best result. I thank the players for the great match they delivered under significant crowd pressure, and the team players were up to the responsibility."

Motamed Gamal added: "Juan Bezera was upset after leaving due to an injury after complaining about his hamstring, and he wanted to continue, but I refused to risk him as the team needs his services in the return match."

The coach concluded by saying: "The return match will be difficult, and Chabab Belouizdad is a team that plays modern football, and their presence in the semi-final was not by chance. The result is deceptive, and Zamalek has not secured qualification, and the team players are focused on securing it in the second half."