Chiefs vs Zamalek: Preview, team news, time and where to watch

Kaizer Chiefs have their work cut out as they take on Egyptian side Zamalek in their CAF Confederation Cup second group stage game in Polokwane on Saturday.

Chiefs welcome the two-time Confederation Cup winners at the Peter Mokaba Stadium looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Al Masry but Zamalek are no pushovers given their pedigree, which includes five Champions League titles.

The job has been made even harder for Chiefs as Al Masry won their second straight match when they beat Zambia’s Zesco United 3-2 on Friday to make it six points while the Soweto giants are still winless.

Form guide

Chiefs had won three straight games before the loss to Al Masry and will want to return to winning ways at home with the match taken to the Peter Mokaba Stadium and not their traditional home of FNB Stadium.

The Glamour Boys had not conceded more than once since September but made two defensive errors that were punished by Al Masry and will have to watch out.

Chiefs have won twice, tasted two defeats and drawn once in the Confederation Cup this season but it is at the group stage where it matters most and any dropped points on Saturday could prove costly.

Meanwhile, Zamalek started their group stage run with a 1-0 win over Zesco which was their next match since losing the Egyptian Cup final to bitter rivals Al Ahly 2-0.

That is their only loss in the last eight games, a period in which they have won six and drawn two, a formidable record that Chiefs have to find a way to contain.

Head-to-Head

This is the first meeting between these two teams but Zamalek played a South African side in Stellenbosch last season, losing 1-0 in the Confederation Cup quarter-final, after a goalless draw at home followed by a 1-0 loss in Cape Town.

Andre de Jong of Stellenbosch in action against Zamalek. Photo Stellenbosch

Team news

Kaizer Chiefs will have experienced players Khanyisa Mayo and Gaston Sirino available after missing last week’s match but they will be without the injured Glody Lilepo, Aden McCarthy and Rushwin Dortley.

What have they said?

“It’s crucial to win at home because I think that gives you better points and better chances going forward. I think it becomes very difficult when you are playing away. We are confident, and we know what we need to do. It’s just about us doing that and pushing forward. I think that will help us a lot going forward, especially in terms of scoring.” – Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika.