Zamalek were held to a 0-0 draw by FUS Rabat in the first leg of the Confederation Cup round of 16 on Sunday (Photo: Zamalek's official Facebook page)
Zamalek might have played one of their poorest games this season when they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to FUS Rabat but they are going into the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup round of 16 in a confident mood after a superb domestic run.
The White Knights look well equipped to end an 11-year Egyptian Premier League drought as they enjoy a three-point lead over second-placed ENPPI, who played two extra games, and are a massive 11 points clear of defending champions and arch-rivals Ahly.
They are making their first Confederation Cup appearance since the competition's new format was inaugurated in 2004 and, given their current form, it will be hard to swallow a last-16 exit.
Zamalek were below-par in the first leg at home to FUS, failing to create a single goal-scoring opportunity. They were also unlucky not to concede a penalty when defender Mohamed Koffi appeared to bring down a FUS forward who was sent clean through.
"We will try to make the most of any half-chances in the second leg," Zamalek's main striker Bassem Morsi said on the club's official website.
"FUS will definitely adopt an attacking strategy and we will try to take advantage of any gaps in their defence," the burly frontman added.
Zamalek will have to do without talented playmaker Ayman Hefni, who is still nursing an injury.
The team are applauded for their solid defensive displays this term but they often struggle for creativity upfront when Hefni is not present.
A win or a score draw will lift Zamalek through to another last-16 round, which will include the teams who are eliminated from the elite African Champions League.
FUS coach Walid Regragui said his side would try to get a snatch-and-grab win.
"Zamalek are a great team and the game will be very tough," he told a news conference ahead of the match.
"The game is similar to Real Madrid's clash against Atletico and I want to beat Zamalek with the same way by scoring just before the end," he added, referring to Real's late 1-0 win over their rivals which took them to the UEFA Champions League semi-final.
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