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Zamalek lament wasted chances against Douanes Players and coach rue sloppy finishing that could have secured a bigger first-leg win over Niger's Douanes
Zamalek manager Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' believes his side could have secured a bigger win over Niger's Douanes Niamey in the Champions League preliminary round first leg if it was not for some shoddy finishing. The Whites could only manage a 2-0 home win over the African minnows, courtesy of goals from midfielders Mohamed Ibrahim and Moemen Zakareya, after squandering a host of clear-cut chances, especially in the second half. "Of course I'm delighted with the win, but still we could have won by more had we made the most of our goal-scoring opportunities," Mido, who recently began his coaching career at his boyhood club, told the club's website. "It was quite obvious Douanes had prepared for us well and knew all about our players, sitting deep and closing us down in an attempt to thwart our attacks. "That is why I substituted right-back Ahmed Samir with forward Omar Gamal to increase our attacking threat. "I have to concede Douanes really exhausted us with their defensive style. I assure everyone we shall not rest on our laurels in next week's return leg in Niger." Striker Gaafar echoes Mido's sentiments Zamalek striker Ahmed Gaafar, who set up the second goal after coming on as a second-half sub, also criticised the team's sloppy finishing. "Our hasty finishing was the reason we didn't secure a bigger win," Gaafar said. "Our opponents played a defensive game and relied on counter-attacks, even so, we still had a good chance to win by more. "Despite the victory, we will be eyeing another win in the return leg." Buoyant Zakareya Summer-signing Zakareya expressed his joy after opening his Zamalek account in the continental win. "I'm really happy with the late goal I scored. I've had some bad luck recently, but I finally managed to find the net," said the naturally attacking midfielder who is on loan from ENPPI. "As to being deployed in the holding midfielder position, I have no problem with playing wherever the management puts me. "For sure, the goal will give me confidence ahead of the upcoming fixtures." Young defender pays Mido tribute Meanwhile, young defender Yasser Ibrahim paid tribute to Mido for helping him overcome his nerves ahead of his first continental test with Zamalek. The 21-year-old centre half only played this third full match after joining from Mansoura in the summer. "Coach Mido helped me enter the game without fear, asking me to deal with the match as any other domestic game," the Egypt international said. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/93897.aspx
