The Castle Lager Premier League champions face Egyptian giants Zamalek in a CAF Champions Legaue group B group stages second leg match to be played at the National Sports Stadium in Harare this afternoon.
CAPS United are at the bottom of group B with three points and are in need of nothing short of a win in order to progress to the next stages of the competition. Zamalek, on the hand, are third in the group with five points and may not get away with a loss either despite what happens between USM Alger and Al Ahly Tripoli in the other group B fixture.
A huge shadow is cast over CAPS United, who have been marred by in house squabbles which have seen head coach, Loyd Chitembwe, appearing to contemplate quitting and the team’s vice captain, Dennis Dauda, being sold to Yadah FC on Thursday amid accusations of disrespecting the club.
United lost 4-2 in their last champions league match to Al Ahly Tripoli away in Tunisia but will be looking to make amends by beating the last year’s champions league finalists, who beat them 2-0 in the first leg in Egypt. Zamalek lost last year’s final to South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns.
“It’s going to be a very exciting game and we are anxiously waiting to get a good result and work hard for all the Zimbabweans who are local [based] and abroad, and even for our die-hard fans who have been coming to support us.
“We are giving it our best, we are working hard for them and you know, give a good show for them,” CAPS United assistant coach, Fungai Kwashi, told Soccer24.
Team News
CAPS United welcome fullback and captain, Hardlife Zvirekwi, who did not feature in their 2-0 premier league defeat to Yadah FC on Tuesday after being rested by Lloyd Chitembwe. Zvirekwi is expected to start against Zamalek.
United also welcome veteran goalkeeper, Edmore Sibanda, who has been out for a while and is also expected to make an appearance in the do or die clash, replacing third choice goalkeeper, Chigumba.
Veteran striker, Leonard Tsipa, is still out with a nagging groin injury amid rumours that doctors have condemned the 35-year-old. Dominic Chungwa and Abbas Amidu remain Chitembwe’s options upfront.
