Coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, will lead Zamalek for the first time on Sunday after returning to the club for a second stint following the sacking of rookie tactician Mido.
Zamalek lie at the bottom of their group with four points from as many games but only three points separate them from leaders Vita Club, who prevailed in their previous meeting with a 2-1 win in Kinshasa.
The match will be played at the Alexandria Stadium amid reports suggesting that Zamalek’s hardcore supporters, who have a tense relationship with outspoken lawyer Mansour, will attempt to defy a crowd ban.
“The match is difficult because of the shortage we have in our African squad, in addition to the injuries of some players,” Hassan added, referring to the problem that was blamed on Mido after Zamalek offloaded many under-achieving players in the close season.
The White Knights, who are chasing their first Champions League title since 2002, had to do with only three substitutes on the bench, including a goalkeeper, during their goalless draw at home to TP Mazembe which further dented their hopes of making the last four.
Any result other than a win over Vita Club will likely seal the fate of Zamalek, who signed a host of new players in the summer but could only register four arrivals in their Champions League squad.
