The match will be played at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Chiefs sit top of the group with 10 points, two ahead of Zamalek, and need only a draw to reach the quarterfinals. Zamalek, however, must win to guarantee progression.
Kwinika said the squad understands the magnitude of the fixture. “It is a very important game for us. We know what is at stake and we are ready. Every team is dangerous at home, so we have to be aware of that and understand that at times we will suffer. We need to be strong in those moments, but with the quality we have, we are going to compete.”
Chiefs’ campaign began poorly with a 2–1 defeat to Al Masry in Egypt, followed by a 1–1 draw against Zamalek in Johannesburg. Assistant coach Kaze has attributed the slow start to inexperience at this level, but Amakhosi have since recovered impressively, winning three consecutive matches to take control of the group.
In a sign of Chiefs’ likely approach, striker Ashley du Preez was brought to the pre-match press conference despite having last played in November. His pace hints at a possible counter-attacking strategy, although he insisted the team is not in Egypt to defend.
“For me, it is a big game. As Kaizer Chiefs, we are not coming here for a draw. I do not think we will sit back and allow the team to come at us. We are here to collect all three points,” du Preez said.
Zamalek, who lost 1–0 to Zesco United in Confederation Cup action last weekend, returned to winning ways in the Egyptian Premier League by beating Smouha 1–0. They remain second on the log, four points behind Ceramica Cleopatra. Kaze does not believe Zamalek’s demanding schedule will hand Chiefs any advantage.
Chiefs need only to avoid defeat to advance, but a victory would seal top spot and further boost confidence as the club seeks continental success.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
