Zamalek manager Hossam Hassan says it's a 'miracle' that his men booked a berth in the upcoming CAF Champions League. The White Knights eased to a 4-1 win over Asyut Petroleum on Thursday to guarantee that they will finish the season as runners-up. Upon winning the game, Zamalek were automatically qualified for the Champions League. The Cairo giants took no part in the continental competition in the last two years. Hassan took charge of Zamalek late in November after the five-time African champions suffered a string of poor results under Swiss tactician Michel Decastal and Frenchman Henri Michel early this season. Many pundits once questioned his ability to manage the Whites but the 43-year-old definitely led a turnaround in the club's fortunes. Zamalek were languishing in 10th place near the relegation zone by the time Hassan was appointed as tactician and a second-place finish seemed to be a far-fetched idea at the time. But under Hassan, a revitalized Zamalek side showed a great deal of consistency to secure Champions League qualification. "When I first took charge of Zamalek I didn't promise the club's board anything. I didn't say what place I wanted Zamalek to finish in," former Egypt star Hassan said after Thursday's game. "I made it clear to every player that we have to win every single game. Now I think that finishing as runners-up is a miracle. "We were lagging behind so getting in the title race was no mean achievement. "At some point, we got closer to the leaders (Ahly) and threatened them. "I'm satisfied with what we did." Al-Ahly won their 35th league title a couple of weeks ago. Speaking of want-out duo Mohamed Abdul Monsef and Shikabala, Hassan said: "All I know is that they are still under their contracts with Zamalek, so I don't think about them much these days. "I will sit down with both of them in the close season and the club's decision will be made based on the team's needs. Deputy keeper Abdul-Monsef is eager to carry on his career elsewhere in order to play regularly. On the other hand, the fully-fit Shikabala is seeking to join a European club, amid reported interest from more than one outfit on the Old Continent.
