Al Masry coach details how he outsmarted Kaizer Chiefs

Al Masry head coach Nabil Kouki has opened up over the tactics that contributed to his team’s 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs in their CAF Confederation Cup match on Sunday.

Chiefs got off to a poor start in the group stage at the Suez Stadium in Egypt when they conceded the first goal via a 59^th minute penalty through Mahmoud Hamada before Dillan Solomons equalised seven minutes later with a great individual goal.

However, any hopes of the Glamour Boys getting something from the game were extinguished three minutes from time when Mohamed Hashem slotted home from close range after Inacio Miguel failed to clear the ball from a corner.

Al Masry coach credits win to good preparations

Al Masry head coach Nabil Kouki. Photo – Al Masry

The home side had also forced Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen into some good saves and were full value for their win which sent them top of their group with three points and Kouki says it was down to the great homework they did on Amakhosi.

“I am happy with the win and securing the three points in the first match. We studied Kaizer Chiefs well and succeeded in exploiting their weaknesses,” he said as quoted by Yallakora.

“I divided the match into several phases, and our plan resulted in the victory. Al-Masry relies on collective performance, so we were able to compensate for the [injured absences] effectively.”

Kouki revealed the second half strategy that won the game for his team after a toothless first half when neither side troubled the goalkeepers.

How did Kouki turn the game in his favour?

Mahmoud Hamada scores a penalty for Al Masry against Kaizer Chiefs. Photo – Al Masry

“We adjusted our players’ positioning during the second half, and the pressure helped in the scoring the eventual winner,” he added. “We aimed to secure a victory, and we will immediately begin preparing the players for the ZESCO match.”

“Recovery will be our only weapon. We strive to collect [maximum] points in the matches played at our [home] stadium during the group stage,” emphasizing the need to take full points from all games at their backyard.

The Egyptian side will now head to Zambia to take on Zesco United on Sunday November 30, seeking back-to-back victories, a day after Chiefs host Zamalek in Polokwane.