Zamalek of Cairo will face TP Mazembe this Saturday in the opening match of the CAF Champions League group stage. The Egyptians, winners of the most recent CAF Confederation Cup, have been chasing the continent’s premier club trophy since 2002, and this season presents a fresh opportunity to claim it.
Having qualified by defeating Senegal’s Génération Foot, Zamalek enters the competition on the back of a successful campaign, which saw them lift both the Confederation Cup and the Egyptian Cup. The team has also strengthened their attacking options, bringing in Moroccans Mohamed Ounajem and Achraf Bencharki, while Serbian coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojević brings extensive experience and confidence to the side.
“I have been coaching teams in Africa for 19 years. So I know the Mazembe team well. I can even spend two days talking about them. Besides, their coach Pamphile Mihayo is a friend, so tomorrow I will be playing against a friend,” Sredojević remarked ahead of the match.
Despite the familiarity between the clubs, Sredojević expects a highly competitive encounter. Both Zamalek and TP Mazembe are among Africa’s most renowned teams, and the clash promises intensity and tactical battles. “When we traveled to Lubumbashi, our President told us that we would be playing against Moïse Katumbi’s team. So, they are a team well-known throughout Africa, just like us. And it will be a very good match between the two of us tomorrow,” he added.
With a mix of experience, talent, and confidence, Zamalek aims to make a strong start to the group stage, taking on one of the continent’s elite sides in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
