Zamalek will be desperate to avoid any taints an on otherwise impressive run this season while Ahly will doggedly try to keep a slender lead intact as both eye a place in the African Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday.

Holders Ahly, who have vastly improved under new coach Fathi Mabrouk following a dreadful domestic run under Spaniard Juan Garrido, came from behind to earn a 2-1 home win over Club Africain last month but the goal they conceded in Suez leaves the Tunisians with everything to play for in the second leg.

Zamalek, who look overwhelming favourites to win their first Premier League title since 2004, slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat away to DR Congo's Sanga Balende after complaining of "blatant refereeing errors".

The first leg was not televised but a short video released by Zamalek fans on social media showed a goal for striker Bassem Morsi incorrectly disallowed for offside.

"The players told [coach] Jesualdo Ferreira that they are determined to overturn the deficit and qualify for the last eight," Zamalek said on their official website.

"The players are eager to continue their fine run in domestic and continental competitions."

Zamalek have not been defeated in nine matches under Portuguese boss Ferreira, winning eight before that run was ended with a 1-1 draw against Gouna in the Premier League last week.

The White Knights, who are making their first Confederation Cup appearance since the competition's new format was introduced in 2004, will have a fully-fit squad against Sanga Balende.

Buoyant mood

Club Africain face Ahly in a buoyant mood after clinching their first Tunisian league title in seven years last week.

Ahly, who became the first Egyptian side to win the Confederation Cup following their thrilling last-gasp win over Ivory Coast's Sewe Sport in last year's final, also gained some confidence after a recent fine run that saw them win five matches out of six.

"Our first-leg win in Suez does not guarantee that we will progress, we have to be very cautious," said Mabrouk, who led Ahly twice as a caretaker coach, including last season when he helped the Red Devils win an eighth straight league title after taking over in the latter stages.

Ahly are still having to cope with a number of absences, with the likes of winger Moemen Zakareya and left-back Hussein El-Sayed still out through injuries. However, they welcome back main striker Amr Gamal after he was included for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury in October last year.

Club Africain will have to do without main striker Saber Khalifa, who was sent off in the first leg.

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