CAIRO - Zamalek's assistant coach Ismail Youssef was very happy with his side's victory over Al-Ittihad of Alexandria on Sunday at the end of the 14th week of the 2011-2012 Egyptian Premier League, stressing that the most important was snatching all three points. The White Knights, in third place on 29 points from 12 games, continue to pile the pressure on Haras el-Hodoud, who top the League's standing with 31 points, and Al-Ahly, who are second with 30. "The coaching staff are pleased with the players' performance," Youssef said after the game, explaining it wasn't an easy win against a respectable team headed by a talented coaching staff. Zamalek defeated Ittihad 2-0 at Alexandria Stadium, thanks to goals from Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi. "The team entered the game with many absences defender Mohamed Fathallah and left-winger Sabri Raheil were out due to injury, as well as defender Omar Gaber," explained Youssef, pointing out that his side played with three midfielders to increase the pressure on Ittihad. On the positive side, left-winger Mohamed Abdel-Shafei and right-winger Ahmed Samir were back from injury. "The coaching staff are delighted with the team's performance in these circumstances. The main thing is that we won, regardless of the performance of team who are developing from one game to the next. “Although the team are tired because of the continuous matches, we played a good game," he stressed, praising the Ittihad coaching staff. "The squad weren't up to strength, but the players' willpower and persistence made all the difference. I want to thank them all for their efforts.” Youssef said that the team put on well in the first half hour of the game, but then they faded because they were exhausted, adding that the coaching staff made a number of changes to try and control the midfield zone. "This win will give the team a boost in the coming period," he explained. Zamalek will face El-Dakhlia on Thursday in the 15th week of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Ittihad's Spanish coach Juan José Maqueda said his team played well against Zamalek, but were unlucky. "We played a good game but the strikers missed many chances to achieve at least a draw," he explained, adding that Zamalek used the few chances they had to score a brace. "We attacked Zamalek and didn't depend on the defence, but luck was with Zamalek. Congratulations to them. We wanted to compensate for our loss against El-Masry last week, but that didn't happen," Maqueda said. Ittihad, who are now in tenth place with 15 points from 14 games, will face El-Talefounat on Thursday. Ittihad striker Moustafa Kareem said that the players did what the coaching staff asked them before the game, but luck was on Zamalek's side, helped by a talented goalkeeper.
Gouna beat Telefounat El-Gouna defeated El-Telefounat 2-1, thanks to goals from striker Sherif Ashraf, while defender Shady Mohamed scored for El-Telefounat. Gouna are now in eighth place with 19 points, while El-Telefounat are in 12th place in the standings with 13 points.
Shawqi out for 3 weeks Al-Ahly midfielder Mohamed Shawqi will be sidelined for three weeks due to injury, medical source at the Red Devils club said Monday. "Shawqi was injured in the Smouha game, while Mohamed Naguib has returned from injury, but will not be fit for Wednesday's clash," Ihab Ali, the team doctor said. The Red Devils held a morning training session on Monday in readiness for the Police Union clash on Wednesday. The training witnessed the absence of playmaker Mohamed Barakat. "A final decision will be made today on Barakat's fitness for Wednesday's clash," Ali added. Prior to the session, coach Manuel José da Silva told the players that it's vital for the team to grab all three points in each of their coming games. The training also witnessed the participation of striker Emad Meteab, back after injury.
Geish held by Degla El-Geish were held to a 2-2 draw by Wady Degla in their 14th week clash. Striker Salah Amin scored twice for Geish, while Moustafa Talaat and Youssef Gamal found the back of the net for Degla. Geish are now in 13th place with 11 points, while Degla are in 11th place with 13 points. Geish were also held to a 1-1 draw by Misr Elmaqasah (MCSD) in the 13th week, with striker Mohamed Zaki getting on the score sheet for Geish and midfielder Omar Nagdi finding the back of the net for MCSD. "The players were hoping to snatch all three points to boost their league standing," Essam Marie, the general coach of the team said, explaining that the team are suffering many injuries, starting with midfielder Sayyed Abdel Aal and Ivorian striker Abou Kone. Last week, Degla were held to a goalless draw by Al-Mahallah.
The Egyptian Premier League 14th week results: • Al-Ittihad 0-2 Zamalek • Wady Degla 2-2 El-Geish • El-Gouna 2-1 El-Telefounat • Ismaili 1-1 Police Union • Enppi 3-0 Arab Contractors • El-Dakhlia 2-0 El-Masry • MCSD 2-0 Military Production • Petrojet 0-3 El-Hodoud • Al-Ahly 3-1 Smouha
