Hussein Dey’s Yousfi: Zamalek a team of another calibre

Al-Zamalek player Ayman Hefny (C), Stanley Ohawuch (R) and Hossam Salama "Paulo" (L) celebrates a goal during the African Champions League (CAF)

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Feb 13, 2019. 12:00

NA Hussein Dey striker Abderrahmane Yousfi has described Zamalek as a “team of another calibre” ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash in Alexandria tonight.

The White Knights will host the Algerian visitors at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, with kick-off at 21h00 CAT.

Hussein Dey secured a 2-1 home victory over Angola’s Petro Atletico in their Group D opener earlier this month, while Zamalek were left reeling after their shock 4-2 defeat in Kenya at the hands of Gor Mahia.

Yousfi knows that the Egyptian giants will be looking to bounce back and make a major statement in this North African derby.

"We will face a team of another calibre, considered one of the biggest clubs on the continent,” he is quoted by the Algerian Press Service.

“The game will be difficult. We will make sure to avoid defeat. The point [earned from] a draw will bring us happiness.”

NAHD coach Meziane Ighil is not likely to retain both strikers Mouaki Dadi El-Hocine and Cameroonian Landry Ntankeu in the line-up, though they are boosted by the return of defender Imad Azzi from injury.

The other Group D match today sees Petro host Gor Mahia in Luanda, with kick-off at 18h00 CAT.