Helmy quits as Zamalek coach after Sundowns loss

Zamalek head coach Mohammed Helmy has resigned from his position in the aftermath of their 1-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, according to reports in Egypt.


AhramOnline.com report that club president ,Mortada Mansour, was interviewed after their CAF Champions League tie in South Africa on Wednesday evening; saying he will find Helmy's replacement.

The Brazilians sealed their place in the semifinals of the continental competition - as group winners - courtesy of a late own goal by defender Ali Gabr.

However, the White Knights could still book a last-four berth, if they avoid a defeat at home to Nigeria’s Enyimba in their final Group B clash in August.

Speaking to a local television station after the match, the controversial boss could not hide his anger and reacted quickly by saying he had accepted the resignation of Helmy, who took over at the club following the sacking of Scottish mentor Alex McLeish in May.

“Helmy’s replacement will be a foreigner. We are choosing between Argentinean Enzo Trossero and Belgian Georges Leekens,” said Mansour.

The Egyptian giants enjoyed a good run under Helmy; as they played 12 matches without a loss before going down 2-1 to Pitso Mosimane's men in Cairo two weeks ago.

Moreover, Zamalek finished as runners-up to bitter rivals Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League, but could still salvage something by winning the domestic cup and Champions League.

Helmy is the second coach to lose his job following a game against Sundowns. Lamine Ndiaye, who was sacked by AC Leopards, also lost his job after suffering defeat to Sundowns in the same competition.

Former Medeama SC coach Tom Strand also famously left his post following defeat to the South African league champions in Atteridgeville.