ORLANDO PIRATES (SOUTH AFRICA) vs. ZAMALEK (EGYPT) Kickoff: 20.00 CLT CAF Champions League Group A Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg MATCH FACTS -Zamalek are still looking for their first group stage victory in 12 matches, stretching back from 2008 when they beat Dynamos of Zimbabwe in Cairo. -Zamalek played against just one team from South Africa in their Champions League history; Pirates' city rivals Kaizer Chiefs. -The Whites lost 2-1 in Johannesburg and won 1-0 in Cairo in the round of 16 before clinching their third Champions League title in 1993. -Zamalek's last 14 Champions League goals were scored by just four players; Ahmed Gaafar, Abdoulaye Cisse, Mohamed Ibrahim and Ahmed Hassan. QUOTES Pirates coach Roger de Sa "The attitude in the group particularly for this match is unbelievable – for some players this is a new tournament but they have understood how massive playing in the Champions League is. "They do not need to get motivated because they know who they are playing against – the likes of Zamalek, Ahli and TP Mazembe are household names in African football and play against them is a dream for many players. "We have to beat Zamalek no doubt; but for this we will have to keep as consistent as we have been since the beginning of the competition. We are playing at home and we must do everything to take advantage of that factor which at times helps." Zamalek coach Helmi Toulan "We came to South Africa only for a victory although we know that the home advantage makes a big impact at such a stage. "But I think Zamalek are ready to compete for the top of the group and stop Pirates' progress. "I think we have the best team in Egypt, the best players in Egypt. And we hope to win this game." TEAM NEWS Zamalek will miss their only bona fide striker Ahmed Gaafar through suspension, with Ahmed Eid or Mohamed Ibrahim likely to lead the attack. Egypt defender Mahmoud Fathallah is also unavailable after receiving a red card in the recent loss at Leopards. Influential keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed will regain his place between the posts after failing to travel with the team to Leopards. Veteran Ahmed Hassan also returns. Defender Ahmed Samir has been struggling with an infection, but is set to take his place at right back.
