Former Zamalek goalkeeper coach Luis Vicente Gomez recalled the team’s African Super Cup triumph over Al Ahly, revealing details about the preparation for the penalty shootout and Mohamed Awad’s role in the decisive moments.
Luis Vicente said Zamalek entered the match with strong confidence in their ability to win, emphasizing that the entire squad was united and focused on one objective despite recognizing the difficulty of the encounter.
Luis Vicente: Zamalek Entered the Final with Confidence
Luis Vicente explained that major finals require more than technical quality. According to the Portuguese coach, players also need character, discipline, and the ability to overcome difficult moments.
He added that the coaching staff worked with the players during several sessions to prepare them mentally and tactically for the challenges of a high-pressure final.
Mohamed Awad Had the Coaching Staff’s Full Confidence
Speaking about Mohamed Awad’s performance, Luis Vicente stressed that the coaching staff had complete confidence in the goalkeeper’s abilities.
He explained that their work with Awad gave them confidence in his readiness to take responsibility and help Zamalek achieve its objective of winning the title.
Penalty Preparation Started Long Before the Shootout
Luis Vicente revealed that preparation for the penalty shootout did not begin only when the match reached its decisive stage.
Instead, the coaching staff had worked extensively in advance to analyze potential Al Ahly penalty takers, studying their shooting angles and individual techniques.
The objective was to provide Awad with as much information as possible so that he could make confident and decisive decisions during the shootout.
Mohamed Awad’s Role Under Pressure
Luis Vicente emphasized that analysis and information were only part of the preparation, while the goalkeeper’s ability to read the situation remained crucial on the pitch.
He explained that Awad needed to understand the analysis and feel prepared. The preparation provided him with a foundation, but the final responsibility rested with the goalkeeper’s ability to read the situation and handle the intense pressure.
Luis Vicente’s Message to Zamalek Fans
The Portuguese coach also sent a special message to Zamalek supporters, saying that the day of the African Super Cup triumph would remain one of his lasting memories.
He expressed his pride in contributing to the achievement and sharing the celebrations with the team and the fans, while recognizing the importance of the victory to Zamalek supporters.
Luis Vicente also praised the fans for their loyalty and continued support, stressing that their connection with the club goes beyond a single football match.
Luis Vicente: I Will Always Carry This Victory With Me
Luis Vicente concluded by thanking Zamalek fans for their support and affection, emphasizing that he would always carry the memory of the victory with him.
He also expressed his hope that Zamalek supporters would continue enjoying happy moments and celebrating more successes with the club in the future.
What did Luis Vicente say about Zamalek’s African Super Cup final?
He said Zamalek entered the match with strong confidence and was united around the objective of winning the title despite the difficulty of the game.
How did Zamalek prepare for the penalty shootout?
The preparation began well before the match, with analysis of potential Al Ahly penalty takers, including their shooting angles and techniques.
What did Luis Vicente say about Mohamed Awad?
He said the coaching staff had great confidence in Awad’s abilities and his readiness to take responsibility during the decisive moments.
What was Luis Vicente’s message to Zamalek fans?
He thanked the supporters for their love and support and said he would always carry the memory of the victory with him.
