Winger Ahmed Sayed, who netted the decisive penalty that gave Zamalek the African Confederation Cup title with a 5-3 shootout win over Morocco's RS Berkane, said the team were confident of lifting the trophy despite a poor start to the competition. A disastrous start to their group stage campaign saw Zamalek lose 4-2 at Kenya's Gor Mahia before being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Algeria's NA Hussein Dey. In the third match, also at home, forward Youssef Ibrahim, nicknamed Obama after the former US president, kept their hopes alive with a stoppage-time equaliser in another 1-1 draw with Angola's Petro Atletico. They went on to top the group with wins over Petro Atletico, Gor Mahia and a draw with NA Hussein Dey. "We were confident that we will win the Confederation Cup title after Obama's goal," Sayed told beIN sports after the final, "It was a very difficult competition and we deserved the win." Sayed came off the bench in the second half against Berkane and had a crucial contribution in the shootout, converting the fifth penalty. He joined Zamalek in January from Portuguese side Moreirense, winning over coach Christian Gross with some convincing displays down both flanks. "I am delighted with the title. It is incredible to win a great title like the Confederation Cup after only five months with the club," the 23-year-old added.
