Zamalek defend a 1-0 lead against APR without the man who won the first leg
Nasser Mansi, whose 90th-minute goal won it in Kigali, has been suspended by his own club, and Zamalek are missing seven more. The winners reach the group stage.
Zamalek take a 1-0 lead into Saturday night's second leg, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stage at stake. The man who earned it will not play. Nasser Mansi, who scored in the 90th minute in Kigali, has been suspended by the club, for taking off his shirt and throwing it down after the goal according to some reports, and for his conduct towards the coaching staff according to Al-Ahram.
Zamalek look the stronger side with one side kept out and two goals or fewer in all.
Moatamed Gamal is short elsewhere too. Mahmoud Bentayeg tore a hamstring in the derby, Mohamed Sobhy strained a thigh in training and four more are unavailable, while Ahmed Rabie, who broke his nose on 16 October, is a doubt. Al-Ahram writes that a transfer ban has left the squad thin.
Zamalek are third in the league after a 1-0 win at Asyut Petroleum on Tuesday, though goals have been scarce: three in their last five matches, two of them 1-0 wins.
APR arrive with their league season barely begun, four fixtures postponed, and a Moroccan coach, Abderrahim Taleb, who calls the tie even. They have reason to remember Cairo: in 2004 they lost 3-2 there, then beat Zamalek 4-1 in Kigali to go through. Zamalek have won every meeting since.
