Zamalek vs Dekedaha. Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
The White Knights were drawn into Group D alongside Masry, Kaizer Chiefs, and ZESCO United.
“This is a tough group, with every team being a major name in African football. Zamalek is a big club, and we are determined to put in a strong performance in this tournament,” said interim coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Zamalek secured their spot in the group stage with a commanding 7-0 aggregate victory over Somalia's Dekedaha in the round of 32.
The Cairo-based club, who were eliminated in last year's quarter-finals, will be without Angolan winger Chico Banza for the opener due to his delayed return from international duty.
“We ask for patience when it comes to evaluating local coaches,” Abdel-Raouf added.
Zamalek's group-stage fixtures will continue with a trip to South Africa to face Kaizer Chiefs on 30 November, followed by a meeting with Masry at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium on 25 January.
They will host Masry in Alexandria on 1 February, travel to Zambia to face ZESCO United on 8 February, and conclude the group stage with a home clash against Kaizer Chiefs in Cairo on 15 February.
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