EXCLUSIVE: How Zamalek coach tried to help Enyimba avoid defeat at home (photos)

– Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmy says he spoke to referee about postponing the Enyimba game due to the playing condition but the referee insisted the game must be played

– Helmy says he has respect for Enyimba despite his team’s victory

– Bassem Morsy scored in the 8th minute of the encounter played at Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt, to hand Zamalek all three points

Zamalek coach Mohamed Helmy says he has respect for Enyimba despite his side running away with valuable away points in their CAF Champions’ League Group B fixture against the Nigerian league champions on Sunday, June 19.

Zamalek took the lead through Bassem Morsy in the 8th minute of the encounter played at Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, Port Harcourt and defended the advantage till the end of the game, despite efforts by the hosts to find an equaliser.

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Morsy celebrating his goal with his teammates

Shortly after the game, Helmy told NAIJ.com that he was delighted to see his side beat Enyimba in a waterlogged pitch, although he felt the game should have been postponed due to the playing condition.

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He said: “The match should have not been played in this condition but it was the referee’s decision. It should have been postponed till when the weather condition was much better. But we are professionals and we are ready to play under any circumstance that’s why we got the victory.

“I have all the respect for Enyimba, it’s a strong team with good players. In such games, the result is always a one goal difference like we have seen today. We will like to thank Nigerians that despite the lost, they were still very high in spirit.”

The Enyimba Vs Zamalek game was delayed for 20 minute due a heavy downpour. This affected the playing condition as both teams struggled to string passes on the pitch.

Ibenegbu brushes off his marker Yusuf of Zamalek in the waterlogged Adokiye Amiesiemaka pitch.

Enyimba now occupy the third position on the log and must beat Group B leaders Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, who beat Algerian side Entente Setif of Algeria 2-0 on Saturday, in their next fixture to boost their chances of making it to the last four.

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