CAIRO: Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan has castigated the team s strikers after they wasted a host of goal-scoring opportunities during their 2-1 friendly victory over second-division side Grand Hotel. Hassan blamed the strikers for their wastefulness in the friendly match, Zamalek said on their website. He told them that they have to improve in the coming period because every match will be treated as a cup final. He also stressed that half-chances should be converted if the team are to maintain the fine run of results. The departure of Ahmed "Mido Hossam and Amr Zaki to English sides West Ham and Hull City respectively left Hassan with limited options upfront. The duo failed to impress in the first half of the season but Zamalek fans still considered their presence to be vital. Hassan has begun to rely on Ahmed Gaafar, who scored two league goals after joining last summer, as a lone frontman with the support of two attacking midfielders. Diminutive striker Sherif Ashraf, who was a regular member of Zamalek s starting line-up early in the season, is confined to the bench. Hassan also reiterated his confidence in the ability of Zamalek strikers, demanding them to prove that they can fill the void left by Zaki and Mido, Zamalek added. The White Knights, whose fortunes were turned around by Hassan, are fifth in the league table with 24 points, 14 behind leaders Ahly who played a game more.
