Flambeau du Centre have sounded a warning that they expect a tough challenge from Zamalek when they clash in CAF Champions League.
The Burundian giants sailed to the second preliminary round of the prestigious competition after toppling Libya’s Al-Ittihad on an away goal rule following a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
Zamalek, on the other hand, eliminated Chad’s Elect Sport 4-0 on aggregate after walloping them 2-0 in first leg, a win that was followed by a similar victory in Cairo last weekend.
Flambeau head coach Momcilo Medic has tabled several reasons why he believes Zamalek poses a major threat to their Champions League ambitions.
“We will face Zamalek, one of the best teams in Africa. Our mission will be difficult and also it could be impossible, but we will fight to reach the group stage or at least qualify for the Confederation Cup,” Medic told Egyptian TV channel Al Hayat.
“I watched two or three matches of Zamalek recently and I realized that it is difficult to beat them as they are an experienced team.
“We will do our best against Zamalek and everything is possible in football. I know some of Zamalek key stars like playmaker Shikabala, winger Ahmed Zizo and goalkeeper Mohamed Awaad. Zamalek have a very good squad but we are not a team that gives up easily.
“We refused Zamalek’s request to play both games in Egypt and the home game will be played in Tanzania as the stadium in Burundi is not up to CAF standards.”
The first leg be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania on October 9 with the return leg set to be played between 14, 15 or 16 October at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.
The aggregate winner will book a place in the CAF Champions League group stages. Zamalek are seeking their fifth African title, while Flambeau will be going for their maiden title.
