Zamalek closes the chapter on the Cairo derby and heads to Rwanda to face APR in the CAF Champions League.
The first team of Zamalek SC is heading to Rwanda today, Monday, in preparation for their match against Rwanda Army in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The team hopes to secure a positive result that will ease their task ahead of the return leg in Cairo.
Zamalek's trip to Rwanda follows their league clash against Al Ahly on Sunday. Coach Moataz Gamal urged the players to put the match behind them and focus on the upcoming African challenge, aiming to continue their path toward qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League.
Moataz Gamal urges Zamalek players to forget the derby result
Moataz Gamal emphasized the importance of concentrating on the upcoming phase and not dwelling on the result of the Al Ahly match, especially since the team faces a significant challenge on the African level that requires maximum focus and readiness.
The coach is working to prepare the players optimally for the anticipated clash against Rwanda Army, while also addressing the aftermath of the derby match and quickly gearing up for the African encounter, given the tight schedule between local and continental commitments.
Zamalek aims to return from Rwanda with a positive result that will give them an advantage before the return match in Cairo, helping them continue their journey in the continental tournament they are vying for.
Abdel Nasser Mohamed heads Zamalek's delegation in Rwanda
Zamalek officials have appointed Abdel Nasser Mohamed, the director of football, to lead the team’s delegation in Rwanda for the match against Rwanda Army, after members of the club's board declined the role.
The director of football is expected to oversee arrangements related to the delegation's stay and organize the team's schedule during their time in Rwanda, allowing the coaching staff and players to focus on preparing for the match.
Zamalek vs. Rwanda Army match date
Zamalek will face Rwanda Army at 5 PM on Friday, October 16, at Amahoro Stadium in the capital Kigali, in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
The white team previously overcame Djibouti AS Port in the first preliminary round, setting up a meeting with Rwanda Army in a match where they aim to achieve a result that gives them an advantage before the return leg.
The return match between the two teams is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 8 PM at Cairo International Stadium, to determine who will qualify for the next round of the tournament.
Cameroonian refereeing crew for the match
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assigned a Cameroonian refereeing crew to officiate the first leg, led by Abdoul Mefiri as the main referee, assisted by Elvis Jai Noboy Ngoujo as the first assistant and Rodrigue Mini Mbili as the second assistant, while Antoine Max Esuma will serve as the fourth official.
CAF has also appointed Tanzanian Khalid Abdullah Mohammed as the general match observer and Ugandan Ali Mulumba Tomosangi as the referees' observer.
Zamalek faces fixture congestion after returning from Rwanda
Zamalek's challenges do not end with the African match, as the team faces a busy schedule following their trip to Rwanda, with a match against Petrojet in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League on the horizon.
The Zamalek delegation is expected to return to Cairo on October 18, and the team will prepare for the match against Petrojet scheduled for October 20 at Borg El Arab Stadium, which presents a challenge for the coaching staff regarding the physical preparation of the players and recovery rates after the travel and African match.
The limited time between returning from Rwanda and the local match raises concerns about physical fatigue, especially with the players needing rest and recovery before resuming league competitions.
In light of these circumstances, Zamalek is considering requesting a rescheduling of the Petrojet match or a change of venue, which would provide the team with adequate time for recovery and alleviate the pressure of travel before continuing their journey in both local and African competitions.
