Zamalek Coach Helmy Tolan praises the team's players during last CAF Champions League game as they managed to pass all barriers they met during the Congo trip, where they lost 1-0 to Leopards in the second matchday of the group stage last week.

"We have great players," Zamalek's coach opened by praising his players at a press conference on Monday, touting them for being responsive to his play-calls, consistent follow-through and their support for him as their new coach.

"They suffered more throughout the Leopards game in Congo but they managed to perform well," he commended them.

Congo's AC Leopards claimed a deserved 1-0 victory over Zamalek in the African Champions League tie in Dolisie last week that left the Whites third in the group team's table with one point.

"I have faith that Zamalek players can get through the group stage and reach the quarterfinals," adds Coach Tolan.

The Egyptian giants, Zamalek are set to face the Orlando Pirates of South Africa on Sunday.

In a bid to end a nine-year wait for the prestigious title, Zamalek made their best-ever start to the Egyptian Premier League under Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira. He opted not to renew his deal with the team citing the club's financial woes and that's where Tolan, a former Zamalek player who was coaching El-Hodoud, stepped in to lead Zamalek.

Likewise, many of the team's key players left Zamalek because of the team's inability to fulfil financial obligations, putting Tolan in a tough position.

"More key players left the team since I was named as new coach, so don't compare me with Vieira; there is a big gap between the two eras," Tolan requested of the media.

The 64-year-old coach Tolan, concluded his speech to the press conference saying he is ready to complete Egypt's Cup games in case the Egyptian Football Association decided to resume it again.

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