Zamalek SC head coach Motamed Gamal has cautioned that his side still faces a stern challenge against AS Otohô despite holding a slight advantage in their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final tie.
The Cairo-based club secured a 1-1 draw away in the first leg last weekend, leaving the contest delicately balanced ahead of the decisive return fixture on Sunday in Cairo.
Speaking ahead of the match, the 53-year-old coach warned against complacency, insisting that the result in Congo should not be taken for granted.
“Things are in our favour on paper, but we shouldn’t depend on the first leg result, especially as we will be facing a strong opponent,” 53-year-old Gamal said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
He added that his team intends to adopt an aggressive approach from the outset in a bid to ease the pressure.
“We will start the game strongly to make our mission easier,” he added.
Gamal also underlined the team’s readiness, revealing that preparations had been thorough, including a recent friendly match to assess players returning from injury.
“We prepared the best way, and I hope to look in our best shape to make our fans proud,” the coach said.
“We played a friendly game that helped to assess our players who had just returned from injuries. Zamalek fans mean a lot to me, and I feel calm with their presence in the stands. I hope to please them tomorrow,” he concluded.
The winner of the tie will advance to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will meet either CR Belouizdad or Al Masry SC.
