Zamalek striker Nasser Mansy challenges Kabaso Chongo of Zesco United. Photo: CAF
The White Knights’ hopes of advancing took a hit following a surprise 1-0 defeat to Zambia’s Zesco United last Sunday, which saw Zamalek slip to second place in the group with eight points, two behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who had secured a 2-1 victory over Masry.
However, the Cairo giants enter the game with renewed momentum after claiming a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Smouha in a midweek Egyptian Premier League clash, a result that helped them maintain second place in the domestic standings.
A victory for the two-time CAF Confederation Cup champions over Chiefs would clinch the Egyptian giants' place in the quarterfinals as group winners, but even a draw or a defeat might suffice, provided Masry lose to ZESCO United in the group’s other final fixture.
Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal insisted his side are fully focused on securing the three points.
"The match means only one thing for us: achieving victory to secure qualification and stay in the race for the title," Gamal told the pre-match press conference on Friday.
The 52-year-old, who took the helm in early January, addressed the necessity of relying on the club's youth academy to navigate a challenging registration ban.
"After the registration ban crisis, we had no choice but to look at the club's sons. They were somewhat wronged in the past, but they proved that they are up to the responsibility," Gamal said.
On the injury front, Palestinian international Adam Kaied remains sidelined with a calf injury, while doubts persist over the availability of defensive duo Ahmed Fatouh and Mahmoud Bentayek.
"Unfortunately, we will be without Adam Kaied for a period, and we will wait to confirm the readiness of Ahmed Fatouh and Mahmoud Bentayek," the coach added. "But things are improving and we will regain all players soon."
Kaizer Chiefs, buoyed by their 2-1 away victory over Masry in the previous round, will be seeking a win to advance as group winners without relying on complicated tie-breaking scenarios.
The South African side face their own selection challenges, with Aden McCarthy suspended and Inacio Miguel joining an injury list that includes Rushwin Dortley, Thabo Cele, Bradley Cross, Reeve Frosler and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.
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