Before making way for Mohamed Amine Aoudia, Gaafar staggeringly wasted a clear-cut chance – probably the most agonizing miss this season – when Zamalek were taking the lead by one goal.

The towering striker connected with a Shikabala cross with the goal at his mercy but failed to slot the ball into an empty net from point-blank range as his effort went high over.

He told the Whites' official website: "My substitution was made by the coaching staff and I cannot comment on their decisions.

"But it doesn't concern me because I have confidence over my level of performance. In all cases, I will do my best in training.

"Every player is seeking to be in the best possible form in order to secure a regular starting eleven berth, and that's in the team's best interest."