File Photo: Zamalek striker Nasser Mansi fights Masry's Mahmoud Hamada for the ball during the goalless draw in the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday. Photo: Zamalek's official X account.
Currently sitting second in the group with five points, Zamalek are determined to reclaim top spot from Masry, who lead with seven points after last week’s 1-1 draw between the two clubs.
The result saw Masry maintain their undefeated record in the group, but Zamalek will be hoping to overhaul their rivals.
The Cairo giants will be without several key players due to injury, including Omar Gaber, Ahmed Fatouh, Ahmed Rabea, and Mahmoud Gehad.
Despite the setbacks, coach Motamed Gamal remains hopeful, confirming that most injured players should return in the next 10 days.
Fatouh, in particular, will undergo medical scans to determine his condition. However, Zamalek will also miss Mohamed Shehata, who has been ruled out of the clash with Masry.
“We are aware of the challenges posed by the injuries, but our goal is to win this game,” Gamal said after Zamalek’s 2-0 victory over Petrojet in the Egyptian Premier League.
On a positive note, in-form winger Abdalla El Saied returned to the squad after missing the previous two matches.
Masry, under Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki, have been in strong form, collecting seven points from their first three games.
The Port Said-based club secured a 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs before a dramatic 3-2 win away in Zambia, and will be confident heading into the match.
This will be the second consecutive year that Zamalek and Masry have been drawn in the same group, with both clubs being eliminated in the quarterfinals last season.
Zamalek were ousted by Stellenbosch FC, while Masry were defeated by Tanzanian powerhouse Simba SC.
With Kaizer Chiefs in third place with four points and Zesco United still without a point, the result of this all-Egyptian encounter is crucial for both teams’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Zamalek will need all three points to leapfrog Masry and strengthen their position at the top of the group.
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