Ground zero
A scoreless draw in Morocco gives Zamalek a decent shot at winning a fifth African Champions League crown. Abeer Anwar reports on a battle of attrition
Egyptian giants Zamalek have taken a huge step forward in their quest to win an unprecedented fifth African Champions League title.
At the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, Zamalek grounded out a 0-0 draw against Morocco's Raja, making them big favourites to lift the trophy in a week's time.
The Egyptian's zonal defence frustrated Raja, leaving little space for them to play and ensuring the home side's forwards were always outnumbered.
Zamalek made it clear from the start that their main target was a clean sheet, beginning with eight defensive players and leaving creative midfielder Hazem Imam and top scorer Abdel-Halim Ali on the bench.
Last month, Raja had showed a new side to their attacking capabilities by scoring four times to overcome a two-goal aggregate deficit against ASEC Abidjan in the second leg in Morocco. But against Zamalek they, too, played a defensive-minded game and gave excessive attention to Zamalek's veteran Hossam Hassan, who was alone in attack. Their Belgian coach, Walter Meeuws, may now be regretting his decision not to take more risks.
Despite the possession Raja enjoyed, they rarely got into dangerous positions. Sami Tajeddin's entrance in the second half raised the Moroccan pressure and added some much- needed entertainment. However, he was soon absorbed by Zamalek's well-organised defence.
Raja now face the daunting task of winning in front of 90,000 fans in Cairo in the second leg on 13 December if they want to lift the trophy and match Zamalek's record of four titles.
The clubs' African performances are indeed outstanding; remarkable as well is the presence in the final of Hassan, the 36-year-old striker and formerly the world's most capped player. After a decade and a half, the veteran forward and his twin brother Ibrahim are once again competing for the continent's top prize. As 21-year-olds, the Hassans helped Zamalek's great rival Ahli win the Champions Cup in 1987.
C a p t i o n : Zamalek players fighting for their pride with Raja's at Morocco
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 5 - 11 December (Issue No. 615)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2002/615/sp2.htm