Zamalek arrive in Morocco in style ahead of CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane

Zamalek arrive in Morocco in style ahead of CAF Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane

Festus Chuma 13:27 - 10.05.2024

Zamalek land in Morocco on a private jet to face RS Berkane in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.

Egyptian giants Zamalek touched down in Morocco on Thursday arriving via private jet as they gear up to face RS Berkane in the first leg of the African Confederation Cup final this Sunday. 

The White Knights have their eyes set on securing their second title in the secondary continental tournament after a triumphant 2019 campaign. 

Shortly after landing the Cairo-based team engaged in a light training session under the floodlights taking the first steps in their bid for continental glory against their Moroccan rivals. 

The highly anticipated second leg of this pivotal final will be staged in Cairo on May 19, where Zamalek will hope to clinch victory in front of their home crowd.

Earning their spot in the final was no easy feat for Zamalek, who advanced after a resounding 3-0 aggregate victory over Ghana’s Dreams FC in the semifinals. 

Meanwhile, RS Berkane’s path was less conventional, securing their place after the unfortunate cancellation of both legs of their semifinal against USM Alger, stemming from a dispute over the Moroccan club’s jerseys that feature a contentious map.

Zamalek, however, will need to adapt to the absence of key players. 

Esteemed captain Mahmoud Shikabala Abdel-Razek is sidelined for up to six weeks due to injury, while winger Mostafa Shalabi and defender Mostafa El Zennari are unlikely to feature due to their own fitness issues. 

According to Zamalek’s medical team, Shikabala's rehabilitation must be managed cautiously, given his value to the squad.

Furthermore, Zamalek’s winter acquisitions—Nasser Maher, Abdallah El-Said, and Seif Farouk Gaafar—are ineligible for the Confederation Cup due to their prior involvement in other CAF tournaments with their former clubs. 

Despite these challenges, Zamalek’s lineup received a significant boost with the return of midfielder Youssef Ibrahim, defender Mohamed Ashraf, and goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, all fully recovered and ready to bolster the squad.

Zamalek’s head coach will need to deploy a tactically astute game plan to navigate the first leg against an RS Berkane side determined to secure their third title in five years. 

The Moroccan team claimed the title in both 2020 and 2022, showcasing their consistency on the continental stage. 

Despite the recent jersey dispute with Algerian authorities, RS Berkane are unfazed by controversy and fully focused on overcoming their Egyptian rivals.

The first leg is set to unfold in an electric atmosphere at Berkane's home ground, where local supporters are expected to rally behind their team. 

The Egyptian side is bracing for a hostile reception but remains undeterred and confident in their ability to return to Cairo with a favorable result.

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