Zamalek's Swiss manager Christian Gross said on Sunday that his team will face a tough task against Tunisia's Etoile Sahel in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals in Tunisia next week.

Gross's remarks came after the White Knights snatched a narrow advantage in the first leg in Cairo.

A first-half volley from Mahmoud Kahraba earned Zamalek a narrow advantage in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup semi-final in Alexandria.

"I am satisfied with the players' performance, especially in the first half," Gross said at the post-game press conference.

Kahraba netted what proved to be the winner nine minutes before the break with a fine individual effort, with Zamalek surviving several scares in the second period to gain the upper hand.

"Kahraba introduced a superb performance during the game and I decided to substitute him to give a new blood after Etoile Sahel began to make their strikes from Kahraba's side," Gross added.

Zamalek will be looking to protect their slender advantage when they meet Etoile in the second leg in Sousse next week, while they chase their first-ever Confederation Cup title.

"Now we will face a very tough game against Etoile Sahel. We will have a battle at Sousse so we have to prepare well for the game," the Swiss manager said.

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