Sundowns used juju to win CAF Champions League —Zamalek chief

Following Zamalek’s aggregate loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final, club chairman Mortada Mansour has put the blame on “magic and sorcery”.

The White Knights defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 in the second leg of the final in Alexandria on Sunday night, but lost the tie 3-1 on aggregate.

According to mtnfootball.com Mortada believes Sundowns employed some kind of mystical powers as his team missed several major scoring chances throughout the game.

“Is it natural to waste 18 chances in front of goal? Things were obviously not normal and there was magic and sorcery involved,” Mortada said after the match.

The Zamalek boss also praised the team for their efforts: “All of the players and their coaches were men today and we missed God’s reconcile. I thanked them after the game for their manly performance.”

Meanwhile, Zamalek coach Momen Soliman  admitted that Mamelodi Sundowns were the better team over the two legs of the CAF Champions League final.

Soliman, in his post-match press conference, had the dignity and grace to acknowledge that ‘Downs were worthy winners over the two matches.

“The best team won the Champions League, but we were better today’s game at Borg El Arab [Stadium]. We needed an early goal to come back again and gain confidence,” explained the coach.

He added, “Zamalek made history by reaching the final along with the difficult circumstances we faced and we could definitely make it to the final next year with a full squad.

“The only thing that changed from the first leg match, was the amazing fans who kept on cheering for the players, even after the game has ended.”

The Zamalek boss also explained that midfielder Mostafa Fathi is likely to leave the club in the New Year.

“Mostafa could be leaving very soon, we convinced him to stay for the Champions League although he had a European offer, but he could be leaving in January,” said Soliman.