Zamalek have no option but to beat Orlando Pirates at home (Photo: Ahram)
Egypt’s Zamalek are likely to be stiff opponents when they host Orlando Pirates on Sunday despite the embarrassing 4-1 defeat they suffered at the hands of the South African outfit away from home, Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi said.
Zamalek’s hopes of reaching the semi-final of the African Champions League were dealt a blow earlier this month when they were outclassed by Orlando Pirates in a largely one-sided affair in Johannesburg.
The Cairo giants, who collected a solitary point from their opening three Group A games, have no option but to beat Pirates in the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna to keep alive their hopes of booking a last-four berth.
“They [Zamalek] have not been doing well but they know that a win for us on Sunday will definitely complicate things for them,” defender Lekgwathi said on Pirates’ official website.
“I anticipate a totally different team from the one we beat in Johannesburg. The good thing for us is that going to this match we go with a broad understanding of the team we will be up against. They are not a closed book to us and that sometimes helps in football.
“Our wish and objective for this match is nothing but a win – we can win the match in Cairo. Please keep us in your prayers as we go to battle against a very well organised side.”
A victory for Pirates, who top the group with seven points, will put them on the verge of a semi-final place.
“I have won all trophies in our domestic league and the prospect of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ACL this year has given me motivation to inspire the rest of the guys and continue fighting,” Lekgwathi added.
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