Zamalek coach Momen Soliman believes they can do the unthinkable and reverse 3-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, in CAF champions league final first leg, and emerge victorious in the second leg on Sunday, October 23 at Borg El Arab stadium, Egypt.
The South Africans, in a blistering form, overpowered the 5-time winners of the most prestigious continental club honors in Pretoria a week back – scoring through Anthony Laffor and Tebogo Langerman in the first half, and Islam Gamal’s own goal in the second stanza, but Soliman is adamant it is not done and dusted yet.
“It’s a tall mountain to climb now, but we can perform a miracle and win the title,” the relatively inexperienced manager who took over from Mohamed Helmi in July told CAF.com – promising a “tougher day” for the visitors, who are angling for maiden crown in the competition.
“In the semi-final second leg in Morocco, we saw a tough day (when Wydad won 5-2 but Zamalek still qualified 6-5 on aggregate). Sundowns will see a much tougher day in Alexandria, I promise. We still have hope, and we are going to win this title.”
Captain Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala” who was substituted in the heat of things at the Lucas Moripe stadium in the first leg is leaving the past to history, “The first leg is history now. What happened in South Africa will never be repeated. Now we have 90 minutes to reply and win this trophy. We have no excuse.”
His opposite equal Hlompho Kekana, said they will fight until the end, tough conditions notwithstanding.
“It’s hard playing in Egypt, but we are aware of the conditions, and we are ready to play and win there. We know the conditions in Egypt and we are ready for the fight until the end,” he told Mamelodi Sundowns Supporters Facebook page.
Over 50,000 fans are expected to fill the 86,000-seater Borg El Arab stadium, with about 150 being Sundowns travelling fans.
The match will kick-off at 18:30 GMT. The winner walks home $ 1.5 million rich.
@bonfaceosano
