"I have faith in Zamalek's players' capabilities, but Ahly stands as a formidable opponent, compelling us to maintain a vigilant approach throughout the match," remarked Gomes during the pre-game press conference on Thursday.

The clash between CAF Champions League titleholders Ahly and Africa Confederation Cup victors Zamalek is set to unfold at the Kingdom Arena Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.

"We anticipate a thrilling match at Al Hilal Stadium tomorrow, recognizing the strength of our opponents, who boast a successful track record, along with the commendable strategies of Coach Koller," expressed Gomes.

"A winning mentality pervades Ahly's ethos, aligning with our own culture of excellence, making this upcoming match a challenging prospect for both teams," the Portuguese coach added.

The White Knights have bolstered their roster with notable acquisitions, such as Polish winger Konrad Michalak, Senegalese striker Sidy Ndiaye, Palestinian forward Omar Faraj, and Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg.

"As we navigate the initial stages of the season, our recent signings are integrating seamlessly with the team, promising a tactical uplift in the forthcoming matches," affirmed the Zamalek coach.

While Zamalek faced difficulties in the domestic campaign, culminating in a third-place league finish and a lack of domestic silverware, their triumph in the Confederation Cup highlights their recent endeavours.

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