ZAMALEK needs more than magic to beat Etoile
Following a shocking 5-1 loss in the first leg last week in Sousse, Egyptian giants Zamalek are looking forward to one of the biggest comebacks in the history of continental club championships, when they host Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel on Saturday in Cairo.
Zamalek were left stunned in the Tunisian Mediterranean resort of Sousse, succumbing to one of the worst defeats at the continental level. Marouane Tej scored twice with Alaya Brigui, Saddam Ben Aziza and Algerian ‘wizard’ Baghdad Boundjah completing the rout for the Tunisian Red Devils.
Ayman Hefny scored what was thought to be a crucial goal for the visitors at a time when they were down by two goals, but it turned out to be a consolation.
The tie almost look done and dusted for the Tunisians, however the Cairo giants have refused to throw in the towel, believing in the probability of an almost impossible mission and turnaround to qualify for the final.
The White Knights aim to end a 12-year continental drought with their last glory dating back to the CAF Super Cup in 2003. To do so, they have first to manage a historical comeback against Etoile.
“We never expected to lose this way”, said Zamalek head coach Jesualdo Ferreira.
“They made good use of our mistakes and forced us into a tough mission in the return leg. It’s going to be tough, but nothing is impossible”, added the Portuguese tactician.
Ferreira led Zamalek to a domestic double, winning the Egyptian Premier League and the Egyptian Cup back-to-back. It was the first time Zamalek achieved the double since 1988, and also the first league title in 11-years. But the Portuguese who joined the White Knights last February is looking for more.
“We will do ‘everything’ possible to win against Etoile. The first leg is history and we have to play with nothing in mind but winning and qualifying to the final. We have to take things step-by-step and believe in ourselves and our chances”, concluded Ferreira.
The White Knights need to score four unanswered goals at least to reach the final of the second-tier continental club championship, a result which will go into the books as one of the biggest comebacks that would be never forgotten.
The match will take place at the Petro Sport stadium, on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital Cairo.
The winner will zoom into the final to face either holders Al Ahly of Egypt and South Africa’s Orlando Pirates.
