Zamalek boss Moatamed Gamal says referee denied his side two penalties against Al Ahly

Zamalek manager Moatamed Gamal said his side should have been awarded at least two penalties in their 2-0 defeat by Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, while apologising to the club’s supporters after the Cairo derby.

Al Ahly secured victory at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday in the sixth round of the competition. Gamal said Zamalek had been unfortunate in the opening period, conceding a deflected goal before failing to take their chances after half-time.

“We were not lucky in the first half and conceded a goal after the ball hit one of the players and changed direction,” Gamal said at his post-match news conference.

“Zamalek were the better team in the second half, but we did not convert the opportunities we created and then conceded the second goal.

“We will close the file on this match and start focusing on the important game against Rwanda Army in the CAF Champions League.”

Gamal said he had been forced to alter his tactical approach because of absences and injuries. He also revealed that Oday Al-Dabbagh fell ill after returning, while Adam Kaied was injured during the warm-up before kick-off.

“At the very least, Zamalek deserved two penalties in today’s match,” he said. “I have never spoken about refereeing, but what happened was strange. I hope everyone watches the two incidents.”

The manager accepted that his team had made mistakes in both goals conceded and said those errors would be addressed.

“We conceded two goals because of simple mistakes, and we will work to correct them so they are not repeated,” he said.

Gamal also explained his decision to start Ahmed Sherif, saying the forward’s pace was important to Zamalek’s approach.

“I started Ahmed Sherif because of his speed, and Zamalek’s threat in the first half came from his runs,” he added.

When a journalist described the defeat as a heavy one, Gamal rejected that assessment and insisted the contest had been closely balanced.

“Do not say the result was harsh,” he said. “The match was 50-50, and the result was not a heavy one.”

Gamal ended by apologising to Zamalek’s fans, saying he had wanted to give them a victory over their city rivals.

“I apologise to Zamalek’s supporters,” he said. “I had hoped to make them happy today by beating Al Ahly.”