Zamalek are turning a fresh leaf with their match against Aswan on Friday, as caretaker coach Tarek Yehia takes over after the shock departure of coach Patrice Carteron earlier this week.

The Frenchman dropped a bombshell with a decision to terminate his contract to move to a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al-Taawoun.

This stunning departure sent shock waves through the Zamalek camp, coming only a month before the anticipated African Champions League semifinal against Morocco Raja Casablanca.

The Whites quickly announced that a delegation from the club would travel to Europe to look for a coach at the highest levels to lead the team in the African Champions League and next season.

For the present, the board has assigned youth sector manager Yehia to be caretaker coach.

“I want to reassure the fans, because the team is technically and physically ready to complete its mission in the league and qualify for the Champions League final,” Yehia told Zamalek TV channel on Thursday.

No major changes are expected in the Whites’ line-ups, as the former coach used the rotation strategy and try many players in different positions in order to get them ready to participate in games as soon as needed.

The team, who are now in second place in the league on 55 points, defeated Aswan in the first half of the season 2-0, but may face a tougher challenge on Friday, as the southern team will enter with sky-high confidence after their 4-0 victory against Tanta on Monday.

Aswan, who are currently in ninth place in the table with 31 points, are seeing good results under the leadership of former Ahly player Ahmed Koshari. Koshari has helped the team to take steps away from the relegation zone amid brave performances against big names like Ahly and Pyramids FC. 

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