The Petroleum outfit put in one of their finest performances in Monday's game, trying to claim all three points and stay clear of the Egyptian Premier League relegation mire.

"We got the upper hand and had several clear-cut chances, but our opponents were too stubborn," he told the post-match press conference.

"Asyut were determined to win the game in order to ease their demotion fears."

On why Zamalek coaching staff didn't start the game with a playmaker and opted to deploy three defensive midfielders, Al-Sheshini said: "We were trying to take control of the game right from the start.

"Afterwards, we introduced Alaa Ali instead of Hani Saied in order to increase firepower."

Zamalek now lie sixth with 39 points, while Asyut are in 12th place on 33 points.

Apart from the game, Al-Sheshini confirmed that playmaker Shikabala will be questioned about his sudden exit from Friday's training session.

The talented schemer was excluded from Zamalek's squad for the Asyut game when he didn't complete the session for no apparent reason, and now he's expected to be sanctioned.