ASEC 1 - 1 Zamalek

Zamalek began their African journey in the African Champions League quarterfinals with a 1-1 draw away from home in the Ivorian capital Abidjan. The draw could be considered a good result for Zamalek but the fashion in which the lead was thrown away must be disappointing for the team’s supporters.

Zamalek opened the scoring from a tremendous volley by Tarek El-Sayed in the 31st minute of the game. ASEC equalized in the second half from an Alhassan Kiovogui header seconds after Abdelhalim Ali and Moatez Eino wasted two unbelievable chances to put Zamalek up 2-0. With this result Zamalek and ASEC share the group lead until the match between Esperance and Etoile Du Sahel is played in early July.

First Half

Zamalek began their first official game with Bokeir at the helm with Abdelwahed El-Sayed in goal behind three defenders, Abdelhadi, Kabbani and Mahmoud Mahmoud. Tarek El-Sayed and Tarek El-Saeed manned the left flank while Sameh Yousef was playing on the right alongside two central midfielders Abu El-Ela and Mohamed Sideek. The two forwards were Abdelhalim Ali and Gamal Hamza.

The Ivorian team began the half by pushing the ball to take advantage of their home field, a week after their national team’s victory over the Egyptian side. Zamalek did well to pressure the ball and attempted to play a balanced game by allowing Tarek El-Sayed and Tarek El-Saeed free regin to support their forwards. However it was obvious Sameh Yousef was lost on the right side in his new role and Zamalek was restricted to attacking from one side of the pitch. A couple of dangerous balls where cleared out by the Zamalek defense and keeper early on but Zamalek soon regained control and Tarek El-Sayed unleashed one of his trademark volleys from 20 yards out to give Zamalek the lead in the 31st minute of the half.

The Ivorian fans became increasingly irritated as their players controlled the ball but lacked accuracy in the final third of the field. Instead of pushing forward and capitalizing on their lead, Zamalek seemed content to go to halftime up 0-1.

Second Half

ASEC came out of the halftime firing on all cylinders to avoid what would be a devastating home loss. A powerful Ivorian shot was parred by Abdelwahed El-Sayed to a corner as the Zamalek players ceased to pressure the ASEC midfielders, which allowed the Ivorians to push forward. The most dangerous ball of the game was a cross into the Zamalek area which was met by a screaming Ivorian header that was saved miraculously by Abdelwahed El-Sayed’s foot. Soon after the Ivorian number nine outmuscled Abdelahdi but fortunately knocked the ball over the bar.

A couple of scruffs in Zamalek’s penalty area resulted in two more dangerous balls held by Abdelwahed El-Sayed. Bokeir attempted to counter the Ivorian pressure by bringing in a fresh Mohamed Abdelwahed and Moatez Eino for the goal scorer Tarek El-Sayed and Sameh Yousef. Minutes after the substitution Abdelhalim Ali and Moatez Eino combined for what would be Zamalek’s most dangerous ball of the game. Abdelhalim received a through ball, turned an Ivorian defender around to face the goal, dribbled past another Ivorian defender but instead of shooting the ball took another step towards goal and it was cleared by an Ivorian defender to the feet of a wide open Moatez Eino six yards out from the goal mouth, but Eino sent a weak ball straight to the keeper’s hands.

ASEC quickly counter attacked and swung the ball to the right side of the pitch where a bouncing cross was sent into the area and both Abdelwahed and Abdelhadi hesistated and left the ball to one another only to find Kiovogui who headed the ball into an empty goal.

Bokeir brought on Hazem Emam in response to the goal for Gamal Hamza who had a disappointing game. Hazem was invisible on the pitch as ASEC continued to pile the pressure but Zamalek’s defense held on for the draw.

Conclusion

Although Zamalek was not the better team, two points where clearly wasted in Abidjan in the second half. The team may be excused as this was their first game lead by Bokeir and the first game of the season. Bokeir is clearly still trying to find answers at the right back position as Sameh Yousef seemed lost and Sideek did not excel in central midfield. With the return of Ibrahim Saeed and perhaps Tamer Abdelhamid in the upcoming games along with Hazem Emam the midfield should improve.

Without a doubt Zamalek faces extremely tough opposition in Esperance, Etoile Du Sahel and ASEC, so the team must improve if they are to move on to the next round. Solid performances by Kabbani, Mahmoud Mahmoud and Tarek El-Saeed should serve as a nucleus for the Egyptian team’s upcoming matches.