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Portuguese coach Jose Gomes claims Zamalek's Confederation Cup win over Berkane was deserved.
Zamalek head coach Jose Gomes proclaimed his team's right to the CAF Confederation Cup title after a nail-biting second leg final that saw them edge out RS Berkane with a 1-0 victory at Cairo Stadium.
Despite the aggregate score tying at 2-2, Zamalek clinched the championship by the away goals rule, sparking a mix of jubilation and controversy.
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In a post-match interview, Gomes did not shy away from expressing his sentiments.
"We deserved the win. We worked hard to achieve our mission. I thank the players and fans for their efforts during the game," he stated.
The final was a dramatic affair, with Zamalek overturning a first-leg deficit where they suffered a 1-0 loss.
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The return leg in Cairo became a testament to Zamalek's resilience and strategic acumen under pressure.
"We made a poor start in Morocco, but in Cairo, we made a good start which gave the players confidence during the game," Gomes reflected on the team's comeback.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Cairo-based club, securing their second Confederation Cup title following their previous win in the 2018/19 season.
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However, the triumph was not without its detractors as for RS Berkane, the result was a bitter pill to swallow.
The Moroccan club was on the cusp of clinching their third Confederation Cup title in four years, a feat that would have crowned their recent successes on the continental stage.
Instead, they were left to rue what might have been, as their dream slipped agonizingly through their grasp once more on foreign soil.
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The match's outcome has sparked discussions about the fairness of the away goals rule, which ultimately decided the fate of the trophy.
Critics argue that such a rule can diminish the spectacle of a final by encouraging overly cautious tactics or, conversely, disproportionate reward for away teams.
As the celebrations continue in Cairo, the debate over the 'deserved' nature of Zamalek's victory is likely to linger, adding another layer to the storied rivalry between Egyptian and Moroccan clubs in African competitions.
For now, Zamalek can bask in the glory of a hard-fought campaign while Berkane must regroup and look to the future hopeful for another shot at glory.
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