Zamalek coach Reiner Hollmann hit out at Confederation of African Football (CAF) for setting an afternoon kick-off for his side's clash against Dynamos Harare. The German tactician believes it will be unfair for Zamalek players to play while fasting in Sunday's Champions League encounter. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. “The fact that my players will be fasting should have been taken into consideration by CAF,” Hollmann told a press conference on Wednesday. “They should have chosen a time that suits both teams. Zamalek must have as equal chances as those of Dynamos. “However, I fully trust my players' abilities to claim all three points and qualify for the semi-final.” Zamalek need to beat Zimbabwe's Dynamos in Harare and hope Ahli don't lose against ASEC Mimosas to book a place in the Champions League semis.
Zamalek drew with Ahli “I will not be concerned with what Ahli do against ASEC. I just want Zamalek to win irrespective of any other result,” Bad Luck Hollmann was content that Zamalek were able to play out a 2-2 draw against arch-rivals Ahli in last Sunday's Cairo derby even though the White Knights were seeking a much-needed win. The 59-year-old believes it would have been difficult for Zamalek to emerge winners with a depleted squad. “Yes, I sought a win against Ahli but the result was satisfying, given that we played the match without several regulars.” “Zamalek have been the unluckiest team in Group A. We played every match amid injury and suspension problems. “None of our competitors suffered similar problems,” Hollmann, who coached Ahli in the mid 1990s, added.
