Five-time African champions Zamalek of Egypt face a tricky mission when they host Senegalese champions Generation Foot in the second leg of the 2019-20 Caf Champions League first round at the Cairo-based Al-Salam Stadium on Thursday.
Zamalek lost the first leg 2-1 in Thies last month. Mame Gueye scored in each half to give Senegal’s academy club a 2-0 lead, but substitute Mostafa Mohamed scored what might be a vital away goal for the Egyptian giants.
The return leg was scheduled for September 28, but some unfortunate events led to the encounter being called off and it was rescheduled for Thursday.
Zamalek coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is banking on his two decades of African experience to overturn the first-leg deficit.
The Serbian coach, who has had spells with SC Villa (Uganda), Saint George (Ethiopia), Young Africans (Tanzania), Al Hilal (Sudan), Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates (both South Africa), and stints with Rwanda and Uganda national teams, is desperate for continental glory with the Cairo giants.
The last time Zamalek won the Champions League dates back to 2002.
Micho will once again rely on the experience of Tunisian duo Ferjani Sassi and Hamdi Naguez, and the brilliance of Egypt Under-23 international Mohamed, who scored the crucial away goal in the first leg.
The aggregate winner will be placed in Group A with DR Congo giants TP Mazembe, Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto and Zambia’s ZESCO United.
The loser will qualify for the second additional preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup, where they will face Beninois torchbearers, ESAE.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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