Zamalek are preparing for a decisive clash against Djibouti’s AS Port, with head coach Moatamed Gamal considering several changes to his starting lineup while sending a clear message to his players: there can be no room for complacency as the team looks to secure qualification.

Zamalek will host AS Port at Cairo International Stadium at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round, after the Egyptian side earned a 2-1 victory in the first leg.

Despite taking an advantage from the opening match, Zamalek’s coaching staff are approaching the return leg with caution. A one-goal lead means the tie is still open and requires full concentration until the final whistle.

Lineup Changes

Moatamed Gamal is considering giving opportunities to several players who have not started regularly in recent matches, as he looks to make better use of his squad while maintaining the right balance on the pitch.

Mohamed Awad is expected to start in goal, while Ahmed Fatouh is also set to return to the starting lineup.

Palestinian player Adam Kaied could also be handed a starting role, while Mostafa El-Zenari and Ahmed Khodry are among the players being considered for places in the lineup from the opening whistle.

However, the expected changes do not mean that Zamalek are treating the match as an easy assignment. Gamal wants to give some players valuable minutes while still fielding a team capable of controlling the game and completing the African mission safely.

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The AS Port match could also provide the coaching staff with an important opportunity to assess the readiness of several squad members and give them more playing time, especially with Zamalek competing on both domestic and continental fronts.

No Complacency

Ahead of the match, Moatamed Gamal held a meeting with his players before training and asked them to temporarily put domestic league matters aside and focus completely on the African fixture.

The Zamalek coach made it clear that the first-leg victory does not mean the tie is already over, warning his players against underestimating AS Port or believing qualification has already been secured.

Gamal also demanded maximum effort in training and full commitment to his tactical instructions. He discussed some of the ideas he wants the team to apply during the match and explained the individual roles expected from his players.

Zamalek’s main objective is to earn another victory and officially book their place in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League rather than simply trying to protect their first-leg advantage.

The Egyptian side are in a strong position after their 2-1 win, but the coaching staff want the team to start the return leg with a winning mentality. An early goal for the visitors could change the course of the match and create unnecessary pressure.

With expected lineup changes on one side and strong warnings inside the dressing room on the other, Zamalek enter the AS Port clash with a clear objective: use the match to give more players an opportunity, but without losing sight of the main target — confirming their superiority and sealing qualification for the next stage of the continental competition.