Zamalek made light work of a Pirates side that features six changes to their starting line-up that lost 1-0 to Bloemfontein Celtic in their last Absa Premiership fixture.
The most notable changes were the introduction of full-backs Thabo Matlaba and Patrick Phungwayo in place of Ayanda Gcaba and Rooi Mahamutsa.
With the scoreline suggesting clear defensive frailties, Tinkler conceded that his team were "poor" in keeping the Egyptians out.
Pirates went into the break with a respectable scoreline at 2-1, however, a half-time pep-talk from the Bucs tactician was not enough to bring the team back into the match as Zamalek dominated the second stanza.