Photo courtesy of Zamalek FC
Zamalek secured their place in the semi-finals after beating Congolese side Otoho d’Oyo 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, while CR Belouizdad advanced past Egyptian side Masry on the away goals rule.
The White Knights welcome back midfielder Mohamed Shehata, who missed the league game against Masry, alongside veteran defender Mahmoud Hamdi “El-Wensh”, returning from a muscle injury that ruled him out of the quarter-finals.
However, Zamalek will be without goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy, who is suspended after being sent off in the second leg against Otoho d’Oyo.
Angolan winger Chico Banza is also sidelined with a knee injury sustained during last week’s league win over Masry.
Zamalek have been in strong form domestically and continentally, leading the Egyptian Premier League with 46 points, six ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC.
They are also the only Egyptian side remaining in African competitions following the elimination of Masry from the Confederation Cup and both Pyramids FC and Ahly from the CAF Champions League.
CR Belouizdad, meanwhile, have struggled in the Algerian Ligue 1 this season, sitting fifth with 38 points, 14 behind leaders MC Alger.
The Algerian side will be without veteran defender Chouaib Keddad, who underwent knee surgery on Thursday.
The second leg will be played in Cairo on 17 April.
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