ACTUALITE |
02.12.2002
Zamalek eye trophy
Raja Casablanca 0-0 Zamalek
Egyptian giants, Zamalek, have taken a huge step forward in their quest to win a fifth African Champions League title.
At the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca they ground out a draw that makes them big favourites to lift the trophy in two weeks` time.
The Egyptian`s zonal defence frustrated Raja, leaving little space for them to play and ensuring the home side`s forwards were always out-numbered.
Zamalek made it clear from the start that their main target was a clean sheet, beginning with eight defensive players and leaving creative midfielder Hazem Emam and top scorer Abdel Haliem Ali on the bench.
Raja too played a defensive-minded game, and gave excessive attention to Zamalek`s veteran Hossam Hassan, who was alone in attack.
Their Belgian coach, Walter Meeuws, may now be regretting his decision not to take more risks.
Despite the possession Raja enjoyed, they rarely got into an dangerous positions.
Sami Tajeddin`s entrance in the second half raised the Moroccan pressure and added some much needed entertainment.
However, he was soon absorbed by Zamalek`s well organized defence.
Raja now face the daunting task of winning in front of 90,000 fans in Cairo in the second leg on 13 December if they want to lift the trophy.
Raja: Mustapha Chadili, Abdellatif Jrindrou, Noureddine Kacemi, Abdelouahed Abdessamad, El Amin Erbate, Nater Hamid, Nabil Masloub, Zakaria Aboub (Sami Tajeddin 55 mins), Mohamed Ali Diallo (Zouit Omar 78 mins), Hicham Aboucherouane, Francois Endene Elokan.
Zamalek: Abdelwahed El Sayed, Mehdat Abdelhady, Ibrahim Hassan, El Kabany Waiel, Beshir Al Tabei, Hossam Abdel Moniem, Tamer Abdelhamid, Hossam Hassan (Abdel Haliem Ali 88 mins), Walied Salah Abdellatif, Aboelea Mohamed, Tarek Abdelhamid.
Referee: Falla Ndoye (Senegal).
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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