Zamalek will be hoping to lift a third CAF Confederation Cup title when they host USM Alger at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
The Egyptian side trail 1-0 after Ahmed Khaldi’s late penalty settled the first leg in Algiers, following a dramatic VAR review in stoppage time.
There is plenty at stake for Zamalek beyond the trophy itself. Victory would not only bring continental silverware, but also prize money that could help ease the club’s financial problems. The Cairo side are currently under a FIFA transfer ban linked to 18 cases.
Zamalek also remain in contention for a double. They need just one point from their final league match of the season against Ceramica Cleopatra on Wednesday to complete the job.
Captain Omar Gaber who has been ruled out of the match with an adductor injury, while Mahmoud Bentayg is suspended after his red card in the first leg. There is better news in attack, with Brazilian winger Juan Bezerra back to full fitness.
USM Alger, though, arrive in Cairo as formidable opponents. The Algerian side are unbeaten in their last three Confederation Cup matches against Egyptian clubs and have lost only once in their last 19 games in the competition.
A full house is expected at Cairo International Stadium, as fans were scrambling for tickets over the past couple of weeks.
The match kicks off at 21:00 Cairo time.
