Oday Dabbagh warns against complacency as Zamalek brace for CR Belouizdad test

Zamalek have stepped up preparations for their decisive CAF Confederation Cup semi-final second leg against CR Belouizdad, with the squad fully focused on sealing qualification to the final after their first-leg advantage.

At the heart of the build-up has been Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh, who delivered a calm but firm message about the importance of discipline, focus, and mental strength ahead of the crucial encounter in Cairo.

Speaking during CAF media duties, Dabbagh underlined the need for complete concentration despite the advantage from the first leg.

“We achieved a positive result during the first leg, and overconfidence is not required in the return leg. We are preparing technically and psychologically for the match, in order to secure qualification for the final.”

His remarks reflect the mood inside the Zamalek camp, where players and technical staff are reportedly pushing hard to avoid any sense of complacency before the decisive clash.

Dabbagh further emphasized the importance of home support and unity within the squad as key factors in their push to reach the final.

“We will benefit from the home advantage and the support of the fans in the return leg, and my success with the team is due to the support of the coaching staff, the players, and the fans.”

With Zamalek set to play in front of a passionate home crowd at the Cairo International Stadium, expectations are high that the atmosphere will play a decisive role in helping the Egyptian giants protect their slim advantage.

Still, Dabbagh was quick to stress that nothing has been achieved yet, urging full focus until the final whistle.

“We aim to make Zamalek fans happy in the return leg against the Algerian champions and confirm qualification.”

Zamalek hold a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg in Algiers at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, but with everything still on the line, Dabbagh’s message has set the tone in the dressing room: respect the advantage, but finish the job properly.