Egyptian side Zamalek SC are finalising preparations for a difficult encounter against USM Alger in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final, with coach Moataz Gamal expected to make limited changes to his starting line-up.
The match will take place at the July 5 Stadium in Algeria, with Zamalek hoping to secure a favourable result before the return leg in Cairo on 16 May at Cairo International Stadium.
Zamalek travelled to Algeria shortly after their 1-0 victory over Smouha in the Egyptian Premier League, choosing to head directly into preparations for what the club views as one of its most important fixtures of the season.
The team entered a closed training camp upon arrival, with Moataz Gamal holding extensive meetings with his players ahead of the final. During those sessions, the coach reportedly stressed the importance of returning to Cairo with a result capable of satisfying supporters and strengthening the team’s chances of lifting the continental title.
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the Zamalek coach is not expected to make sweeping changes to the side that defeated Smouha in domestic competition.
The main uncertainty remains at right-back, where the technical staff are still weighing up whether to start Mohamed Ibrahim or Mohamed Ismail. A final decision is expected following the team’s final training session before the match.
According to expectations surrounding the squad, Mehdi Suleiman is set to start in goal behind a defensive line of Mahmoud Bentayk, Hossam Abdel-Maguid, Mahmoud El Wensh and either Ibrahim or Ismail.
In midfield, Ahmed Fatouh, Ahmed Rabie and Abdullah Al-Saeed are expected to feature.
The attack is likely to include the returning Chico Banza alongside Nasser Mansi and Uday Al-Dabbagh.
Banza’s anticipated return represents one of the major changes under consideration after he missed the previous league fixture against Smouha. His inclusion is expected to come at the expense of Adam Kayed, who featured in the last domestic match.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Rabie is set to replace Mohamed Shehata in midfield. Shehata is currently dealing with difficult personal circumstances following the death of his father while the player was with the Zamalek delegation in Algeria.
The emotional situation surrounding the midfielder has cast a shadow over the club’s preparations, although the team continues to focus on the challenge posed by the Algerian side.
There was also encouraging news for Zamalek regarding Juan Bezerra, who returned to group training after recovering from the injury he sustained during the Smouha match.
However, Moataz Gamal is not expected to take risks with the player’s fitness. Instead, Bezerra is likely to begin the match on the bench and could be introduced later if required.
With both clubs chasing continental success, the opening leg in Algiers is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the Confederation Cup final before the teams meet again in Cairo next week.
