CAIRO: Zamalek striker Ahmed Gaafar rejected accusations of diving in the 1-0 victory over Ghazl Mahalla.
"In Zamalek, we don’t have divers. We only have football players," Gaafar told FilGoal.com.
Gaafar went down inside the box after a challenge from Mahalla keeper Ibrahim Farag, with Mahmoud Fathallah converting the spot-kick for the winner.
TV replays couldn’t prove whether he dived or has been clipped. Analysts also had different assessments following the game.
Gaafar scored seven times this season. All goals were registered after Hossam Hassan took over as manager ten games into the league.
"Diving accusations come from people who are not happy with Zamalek’s progress with Hossam Hassan," Gaafar said.
"But our only response will be on the pitch, where we will continue to fight and win."
Hassan was appointed when Zamalek were in the 12th place, just two spots from the relegation zone.
They have won only three matches under coaches Michel Decastel and Henri Michel.
But Hassan steered Zamalek to a fantastic comeback, winning 11 games out of 13 and losing only once.
Now, Zamalek are placed second, six points behind leaders Ahly, who still have one game in hand.
