Zamalek will face off with TP Mazembe in the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League Group A match on Friday.
The encounter is scheduled to be played at Al Salam Stadium in the Egyptian capital of Cairo starting from 2100hrs Central Africa Time.
The Egyptian giants recorded a 2-0 win over Zambia’s Zesco United in their last group match that was played away in Lusaka a fortnight ago.
It was Zamalek’s second win in the Group A and they are placed second in the group standings behind five-time African champions, Mazembe, who have already qualified to the quarter-finals.
The home-side will be heavy favourites considering the fact that their opponents are set to field their second-string side for what is set to be a highly explosive match.
Patrice Carteron, the Zamalek coach, is not taking anything for granted and is still cautious of his charges chances of making it to the knockout phase.
“Previously we were struggling with scoring, especially against Smouha and Entag,” Carteron told the pre-match news conference on Thursday.
“Now we make the most out of our chances and we score and most importantly we are still able to get to our opposition’s goal (against Zesco).
“We’re not focusing on topping our group as our only goal is to win every game.”
The Cairo giants will be counting the efforts of Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki, midfielder Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed and veteran winger Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel-Razek.
Meanwhile, Mazembe will try to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament this season and capitalize on their 3-0 win over Zamalek in the first leg.
All eyes will be on Jackson Muleka after the marksman hit the back of the net twice in the first leg encounter against the White Knights.
Pamphile Mihayo, the Mazembe coach, has predicted a very tough game this time roundas their opponents are very unpredictable.
“At this level of competition, it says that we have to face the best teams on the continent. We are aware of the challenge and ready for the challenge, “Mihayo said.
“This Friday evening will be a very difficult match between two motivated teams, one that needs to consolidate its place at the top of the table, the other who are home and expected to throw all the energy to seek qualification. ”
Mazembe brushed aside Angolan champions C.D. Primeiro de Agosto 2-1 at home in their last game, a result that steered the Lubumbashi side to knockout phase with two games to spare in the group stage.
