CAF Champions League: We’re not afraid of Zamalek – Rwandan Army captain Djibril Ouattara

Rwandan Army captain Djibril Ouattara has declared that his team are not afraid of Zamalek as they prepare to host the Egyptian giants in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League on Friday, October 16.

The two sides will lock horns at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, with the Rwandan outfit determined to take advantage of home support to secure a favourable result before travelling to Cairo for the return leg.

Despite facing one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, Ouattara believes Rwandan Army have prepared adequately for the challenge and are confident of competing against their highly rated opponents.

“We respect Zamalek because they are one of the biggest clubs in Africa, but we do not fear them,” the Burkinabe striker said, as reported by Rwandan newspaper The New Times.

“We have prepared well, we are fully focused, and we are determined to win in front of our fans.”

The Rwandan Army captain also expressed confidence in his teammates, insisting that the squad understands the importance of the encounter and is ready to fight for the club and the country.

“As a commander, I trust my teammates. Everyone understands the importance of this match, and we are ready to fight for our emblem and for Rwanda,” he added.

Ouattara heads into the encounter in encouraging form after playing a decisive role in his team’s qualification for the second preliminary round.

The forward scored twice against Congolese side Eagles, helping Rwandan Army overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg to progress in the continental competition.

He also found the net twice in a 3-0 friendly victory over Mohanga, further strengthening his confidence ahead of Friday’s difficult assignment.

His recent scoring exploits will be a major boost for the hosts as they seek to trouble Zamalek’s defence and put themselves in a strong position before the return fixture.

Ouattara has also urged the fans to rally behind the team throughout the match, describing their support as an important source of motivation.

“The fans have always been our source of strength. We need their support from beginning to end, and together we can achieve a remarkable feat,” he said.

Rwandan Army will be hoping to make home advantage count and secure a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive ahead of the return leg in Egypt.

Zamalek, meanwhile, will be determined to demonstrate their continental experience by securing a positive result in Kigali to strengthen their chances of advancing to the next round of the CAF Champions League.