Zamalek coach fires warning shot to Chiefs ahead of tie

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Zamalek boss warns Chiefs

Photo: Ahmed Abdel-Raouf

Zamalek SC interim head coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf has sent a stern warning to Kaizer Chiefs ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (15h00).

The White Knights come into the match looking to reclaim the top spot after their Egyptian counterparts Al Masry SC dislodged them at the summit following a win over Zesco United on Friday.

On the other hand, Chiefs will be itching to get off the mark after suffering a defeat to Al Masry in their group stage opener last Sunday.

With the game proving to be a high-stakes battle, the 39-year-old tactician says despite acknowledging Chiefs' strength, the mandate is to leave South Africa with maximum points.

“The three points are very important for us. We understand how good Kaizer Chiefs is as a team, we respect their performances but in the group stages, the three points are really important for us to make it two wins in a row,” said Abdel-Raouf.

The five-time Champions League and two-time Confed Cup winners have a depleted squad due to injuries, but Abdel-Raouf is unfazed, expressing confidence in the available players.

“We understand the casualty to the two players is big because they are key players. But I am confident in the team's ability to take on this game. It's not the first time we go to a big game without key players injured but the team is trained to continue without injured players,” he added.