Zamalek overcame Morocco's FUS Rabat in the African Confederation Cup round of 16 (Photo: Ahram)
Buoyant Zamalek have every reason to believe that they will finally end an 11-year Egyptian Premier League drought as they seek to continue their winning run at the expense of lowly Ragaa on Thursday.
The Cairo side are jubilant after scoring two late goals to claim an exciting 3-2 victory at Morocco's FUS Rabat and qualify for another last16 round of the African Confederation Cup, making up for a disappointing 0-0 first-leg draw at home.
They also look formidable in the premier domestic competition, opening up an 11-point lead over arch-rivals and holders Ahly, whose hopes of winning a ninth successive title were dealt a major blow following a 1-0 defeat by Arab Contractors last week.
"Our match against Ragaa is not less important than our previous African match against FUS Rabat," said Zamalek's assistant coach Ismail Youssef, a team star in the late 1980s and 90s.
"We should not underestimate our opponents because they are looking to retain their Premier League stats. We should bag all three points to remain on top."
ENPPI, this season's Dark Horses, temporarily moved top with a 4-0 rout of Arab Contractors. They are ahead of Zamalek on goal difference but the latter still have three games in hand.
Zamalek have not won the league since 2004 but they seem to be reaping the rewards of spending heavy last summer, having signed more than a dozen players.
A handful of those have quickly established themselves, including talented playmaker Ayman Hefni who should be fit to face Ragaa after sitting out the last three league games because of injury.
Zamalek, who are eyeing a fifth consecutive win, have not been defeated in 10 league matches.
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