Zamalek have stepped up their efforts to secure Cairo International Stadium for their upcoming CAF Champions League group-stage opener against Tunisia's Club Africain, scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026.

The Egyptian club are determined to play the match at Cairo Stadium despite plans to temporarily close the venue for maintenance and winter grass planting.

Zamalek's management have taken official steps to resolve the stadium situation before the important continental fixture, hoping to start their African campaign with the advantage of playing at home in front of their supporters.

Zamalek Insist on Cairo Stadium

Zamalek have formally contacted Cairo International Stadium authorities, requesting permission to host Club Africain at 6:00 PM on November 28.

The club have also asked for the planned winter grass planting work to be postponed until after the match.

In addition, Zamalek have submitted an official request to the Egyptian Football Association seeking approval for full stadium attendance.

The club believe that having a large crowd behind the team could provide an important boost in their opening group-stage match.

A source within Zamalek expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding the stadium's availability.

According to the source, club officials believe they have the right to host the match at Cairo Stadium and are unwilling to give up that option.

The source also questioned the timing of the planned stadium closure, particularly because Zamalek are preparing for an important Champions League fixture.

Club officials are reportedly unhappy with unofficial information circulating about the stadium situation and want a clear decision from the relevant authorities.

Zamalek have made it clear that they will continue their official efforts to secure the venue and are not prepared to withdraw their request despite the ongoing disagreement over the maintenance schedule.

Champions League Campaign Ahead

The stadium dispute comes as Zamalek prepare to begin their CAF Champions League group-stage campaign.

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The Egyptian side were drawn into Group B alongside Club Africain of Tunisia, MC Alger of Algeria, and Tanzania's Young Africans.

Zamalek will open their campaign at home against Club Africain on November 28 before traveling to Algeria to face MC Alger in the second round, scheduled between December 4 and 6.

They will then return to Cairo to host Young Africans in the third round between December 18 and 20.

The fourth round will see Zamalek travel to Tanzania for the return match against Young Africans between January 8 and 10.

In the fifth round, Zamalek will visit Club Africain in Tunisia between January 15 and 17.

Their final group-stage fixture will take place at home against MC Alger between January 22 and 24.

Zamalek reached the group stage after defeating Rwanda's APR FC in the second preliminary round.

The Egyptian club secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg before repeating the same result in the return fixture, advancing with a 2-0 aggregate win.

The opening match against Club Africain is particularly important because Zamalek face a competitive group featuring teams with significant experience in African football.

A victory in their first match would give the Egyptian side a positive start as they aim to secure one of the two qualification spots for the knockout stage.

For now, Zamalek are waiting for an official response regarding their requests to delay stadium maintenance and allow full crowd attendance.

The final decision on Cairo Stadium remains pending, but the club continue to push for the match to be played at their preferred home venue, hoping to begin their Champions League campaign with strong support from their fans.