Mohamed Helmi quit on Wednesday night as boss of Zamalek following his side’s 1-0 defeat at Mamelodi Sundowns in the African Champions League.

Defender Ali Gabr put through his own net in the closing minutes to condemn Zamalek to their second loss to Sundowns in ten days.

On 17 July, Zamalek went down 2-1 at home to the South Africans who advance to the semi-finals of the continental competition from Group B.

Despite the defeat, Zamalek can still book a place in the last four provided they avoid a defeat at home to Nigeria’s Enyimba in their final Group B clash on 14 August.

Following the loss, Zamalek’s chairman, Mortada Mansour said Helmi’s replacement would be a foreigner.

The 53-year-old Egyptian took over at the Cairo giants in May after the dismissal of Alex McCleish. The Scotsman took charge in February but left following a string of disappointing results.

Helmi’s reign at Zamalek started positively. They enjoyed a 12 match unbeaten streak until the first setback at home in the Champions League against Sundowns.

Zamalek finished as runners-up to Cairo rivals Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League. However they could still save the season by winning the Champions League for the first time since 2002 and retaining the Egypt Cup. They play their semi-final against El Ismaily on 1 August.

Source: Radio France Internationale.