The heavyweight clash of Egyptian football saw Zamalek and Al Ahly battle to a tension-filled 1-1 draw at Cairo Stadium on Saturday, marking the 129th edition of their historic rivalry within the Egyptian Premier League.
It was Zamalek who managed to keep their heads high, earning high praise for what was described as a heroic performance from players under the guidance of their new head coach, Biserra. Ahmad Salem, the spokesperson for Zamalek, expressed gratitude to the players for their effort, signaling how well they adapted within the brief time since Biserra took over.
"We’d like to thank the players for their heroic performance, and they were responsible even with little time under the new head coach, Biserra," Salem stated in televised comments, reflecting on the team's spirit and fighting mentality. "I believe we were closer to victory, and our chances were more dangerous during the match," he added, displaying confidence about Zamalek’s capacity to secure victory.
The match itself proved to be dynamic, with both teams exhibiting traits of excellence. Mahmoud Bentayg, on loan from Saint-Étienne, stood out as he not only contributed to defensive duties but also marked his presence on the scoresheet by netting the equalizer, which captured the attention of Al Ahly’s planning committee.
Ahmed Salem continued his praises, noting the latent potential evident amid the squad, and assured fans his belief for future matches, promising they would be even more remarkable. "Biserra's fingerprints are starting to show strongly, and it was evident how well they handled themselves," he noted, alluding to the tactical efficiency introduced by their new coach.
Meanwhile, Tamer Abdelhamid, another voice from the Zamalek camp, gave credit to the new strategies resulting from Biserra's coaching. He pointedly critiqued Al Ahly’s head coach, Koller, for his selection choices and acknowledged Zamalek’s success at disrupting the opposing team’s star players. "Biserra excelled against Koller significantly during the match," Abdelhamid remarked, infusing his analysis with recognition of both teams' efforts.
Attention also turned to Bentayg’s future at Zamalek, as media discussions suggested the club's intended activation of his purchase clause at season's end. With his loan set to expire, Zamalek seems intent on securing his services permanently, particularly after his remarkable form showcased throughout his time with the club. "Bentayg is a great player, and his level is steady," Salem emphasized, underlying the importance of retaining the talented defender.
The road to securing Bentayg may include potential negotiations with Saint-Étienne. Discussions have surfaced about Zamalek considering the activation of his contract clause priced at one million Euros, bringing some challenges as both clubs assess feasibility.
With fans invested deeply and the stakes continually rising, the administration plans on continuing to strengthen their squad. A fervent hope lingers among Zamalek supporters, fueled by the club’s commitment to achieve more success this season, as expressed by their officials around the recent match proceedings.
Fans and analysts alike are now watching closely as the transfer window approaches, eager to see if Bentayg will be retained at Zamalek, ensuring continuity and quality within the team. Tamer Abdelhamid’s parting thoughts on the matter resonate strongly, where he insisted: "Bentayg is a winning deal; the administration must activate the purchase clause today before tomorrow," emphasizing the need to act quickly to secure one of the current season's revelations.
The aftermath of this thrilling encounter doesn't just end here; it sets up future discussions on player potential, coaching impacts, and the intricacies of Egyptian football's top-tier league, which continues to capture the enthusiasm of its fervent fanbase.