AC LEOPARDS (Congo) vs. ZAMALEK (Egypt) Kickoff: 16.30 CLT CAF Champions League Group A Venue: Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso, Dolisie MATCH FACTS -This will only be the second meeting for an Egyptian club against a team from Congo in the history of the Champions League. -The first game saw CARA Brazzaville beat Ghazl Mahalla 6-3 on aggregate in the final of the 1974 competition. -Zamalek are without a win in 11 straight Champions League group-stage matches. -The last time Zamalek won an away clean sheet in the group stage was in 2002; a 2-0 win over Mozambique's Costa do Sol.
Leopards were marginally beaten by Ahli this year -Since moving in 2011, goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdul-Rahim ‘Gennesh' made three appearances for Zamalek, all of which the Whites have won. -In the space of nearly one year, Leopards played against five Arab teams, beating Sfaxien (Tunisia), Maghreb Fes (Morocco), Merreikh (Sudan) and Setif (Algeria). -Zamalek manager Helmi Toulan has been in the business for 34 years now, yet this will be his first-ever Champions League game away from home. QUOTES Leopards coach Marius Omog "We did okay in South Africa (against Orlando Pirates) to force a draw, but my side is capable of much better." Zamalek coach Helmi Toulan "The Leopards game is decisive and critical in Zamalek's Champions League season. In my opinion, it is our most difficult and most important match in the group. "Victory in this match will basically determine the shape of the group and our position in it."
Abdul-Wahed was forced to stay home TEAM NEWS Zamalek are facing a squad nightmare with a host of players missing for various reasons. Most notably, captain and influential goalkeeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed didn't fly with the squad to Congo after the club had failed to complete his travel clearances. The inexperienced Gennesh is set to deputize in goal. Veteran Ahmed Hassan also did not travel for ‘personal reasons', mainly believed to be related to his dispute with the Zamalek board over unpaid wages. Key duo Nour Al-Sayed and Salah Soliman are suspended, while midfielder Ahmed Tawfik was prevented from travelling because of military duty. Zamalek's squad problems leave coach Toulan with a total of 16 players in Dolisie. PLAYERS TO WATCH LEOPARDS: Top scorer Rudi Bhebey-Ndey, usually deployed as a lone striker, is the team's main source of goals and will be constant threat to Zamalek's defense. ZAMALEK: Malaga-bound Mohamed Ibrahim knows he is being watched by a number of top clubs as a big move seems on the cards this summer.
