Enyimba coach Stanley Eguma remains determined to guide his team to qualification despite a tough challenge ahead in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Zamalek at the Cairo Stadium.
With Zamalek already secured in the next round, the Egyptians are focused on extending their unbeaten streak, while Enyimba, who currently sit in third place with five points, must win to have a chance at advancing.
For Zamalek, pride and maintaining momentum are at stake, and Mohamed Hamdy, a key player in Christian Gross’ side, made it clear that their aim is victory.
“We cannot afford to lose because our pride is at stake,” Hamdy told Flashscore. “Although we are through to the next round, we want to finish the group stage unbeaten. This game is very important, and we’ll treat it with the same intensity as every other match.”
Hamdy, who has been instrumental in Zamalek’s impressive run, is determined to finish top of Group D. Their first encounter with Enyimba ended in a 2-2 draw in Uyo, with Zamalek initially leading 2-0 before Enyimba made a dramatic comeback.
Everything to fight for in Cairo #CAFCC #ZAMENY pic.twitter.com/KNFnzD1Kkf
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) January 16, 2025
Despite their unbeaten record, Hamdy warned against complacency: “Enyimba are a strong, physical team. We know they will come for the win, but we won’t underestimate them.”
Meanwhile, Enyimba’s Eguma is not ready to concede defeat despite the tough road ahead. After their 1-1 draw against Al Masry, the Nigerian side is hoping for a positive result in Cairo.
“We had a slow start against Al Masry, and that cost us, but it’s not over yet,” said Eguma. “We still have one more game, and if teams like Al Masry can perform here, there’s no reason we can’t go to Egypt and get a favorable result.”
Eguma’s side, despite their struggles, remains determined to capitalize on their experience. “Zamalek is a big team, but we’ve won the CAF Champions League twice. We know what it takes,” Eguma added. “We’re not giving up. We believe we can still get a positive result.”
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Zamalek enters this match on a high note, coming off a 3-2 victory over Haras El-Hodoud in the Egyptian league, lifting them to second place, just one point behind leaders Al Ahly.