Zamalek coach Patrice Carteron was satisfied with an away draw against Zambia's Zesco United in Saturday's African Champions League game, but believes the Zambians would prove difficult opponents in the next home tie.

Substitute Mostafa Mohamed headed home against the run of play shortly after coming on to put Zamalek ahead in the 72nd minute but Zesco's Quadri Aladeokun Kola made the most of a defensive lapse to equalise six minutes later.

Zamalek are second in their group with four points from three games, three behind leaders TP Mazembe of the DR Congo. Zesco and Angola's Primeiro de Agosto have two points each.

The White Knights next play Zesco in Cairo, with Mazembe hosting Primeiro de Agosto in Lubumbashi.

"We are in a good position to reach the quarterfinals but the competition is open between the four teams in the group," Carteron told the post-match news conference.

"I respect Zesco's team and the coming game at home will be difficult."

The Frenchman lavished praise on his players for their display against Zesco, saying Zamalek could have even snatched a win.

"I'm proud of them, especially goalkeeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal," he added.

"Although the game was difficult, we could have emerged winners. The players were fighters today."

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