They qualified despite being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by CR Belouizdad at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday night.
The result was enough to send Zamalek through 1-0 on aggregate, following Juan Alvina's decisive strike in the first leg in Algeria. It booked the White Knights a third final appearance in eight years and kept alive their remarkable record in the competition, having never lost a Confederation Cup final.
Although Zamalek failed to find a breakthrough on home soil, they were largely in control during the opening stages of the match. The hosts created the better chances in the first half, including a disallowed goal that could have eased the pressure on the tie.
Their approach after the break shifted towards game management, as CR Belouizdad pushed higher in search of an equaliser.
The Algerian side improved in the second half and began to threaten more consistently, but Zamalek's defensive organisation stood firm. The back line absorbed pressure well, limiting the visitors to half-chances and ensuring the aggregate lead was never seriously endangered.
Speaking after the match, Gamal acknowledged the mixed emotions but emphasised the importance of progression.
"We had many chances in the first half, and there was a disallowed goal, but the most important thing is achieving the objective and reaching the final," he said as quoted by African football.com.
He also appealed for perspective from the club's supporters. "I ask Zamalek fans not to be sad because of not winning today's match. We wanted to perform better and win, but in the end we qualified," Gamal added.
The Zamalek coach noted the tactical nature of semi-finals, highlighting the cautious approach from both sides. He praised his team's first-half control and second-half defensive discipline in seeing out the result.
Zamalek will now face either USM Alger or RS Berkane in the final as they aim to retain their strong record in the competition and add another continental title to their history.
Cedric Kaze has downplayed Kaizer Chiefs' recent surge, insisting that their four-match winning streak following their 2-0 victory over TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium on Sunday will count for little if standards are not maintained.
AmaZulu are set to take on Sekhukhune United in a Betway Premiership clash at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Monday evening, a battle for CAF Confederation Cup qualification.
Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr. has defended the club's decision to entrust assistant coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze with leading the team following the departure of former head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt admits it would have been a "hindrance" to his side to have advanced to the knockout rounds of the CAF Confederation Cup.
