
File Photo: Zamalek Forward Zizo in action during the match with Enyimba. Photo courtesy of Zamalek X account.
Zamalek aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in the competition.
The Cairo giants have already secured their place in the quarterfinals, topping Group D with 11 points from an impressive five-match unbeaten run (three wins and two draws), scoring eight goals and conceding just three.
Zamalek head into the match on the back of a commanding 3-1 victory over Mozambique's Black Bulls last Sunday, with young striker Hossam Ashraf netting his first-ever continental brace and star playmaker Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed adding a third.
Despite sealing their qualification, Zamalek's Swiss coach, Christian Gross, has stressed that his team remain fully focused on securing a win against Enyimba, underlining the importance of maintaining momentum in continental competitions.
"Our goal is to win every match, and we know tomorrow's opponent will not be easy. Continental matches are always important, and we must approach them with the right mentality," Gross said during the pre-match press conference.
"Finding the balance between defense and attack is one of the most challenging aspects of football, and it requires a lot of work. We are addressing our shortcomings and striving to improve," he added.
Zamalek will be without several key players who sustained injuries, including Abdallah El-Said, Nasser Maher, Mahmoud 'El-Wensh' Hamdi, Ahmed Hamdi, and Mohamed Hamdi.
However, Gross sees an opportunity to give other players a chance to shine.
"We still have 24 hours to prepare, and I'm monitoring the condition of the injured players. There may be some adjustments to the formation during the match, but I'm confident in the focus and readiness of every player involved," the 70-year-old coach said.
He added, "As for the next round, our focus is solely on tomorrow's match. We'll be ready for any opponent in the quarterfinals."
Meanwhile, Enyimba face a must-win situation to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The Nigerian side currently sit third in Group D with five points. They are one point behind second-placed Masry, who are expected to push for the final qualification spot when they face bottom-placed Black Bulls simultaneously.
Enyimba's mission is clear: only a victory will give them a chance to progress, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash against the group leaders.
Zamalek, however, will be determined to continue their dominant form and head confidently into the knockout stages.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: