AS Port vs Zamalek CAF Champions League Preview
Zamalek begin their campaign in the CAF Champions League with a clash with AS Port in the first leg of their first round qualifier.
The Egyptians are vastly experienced at this level and with AS Port's stadium not deemed standard enough, both legs will be played in Egypt.
This gives Zamalek a big edge, and they should be too strong for the side from Djibouti, who may find things difficult.
Key Stats
- Zamalek have won three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Zamalek have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- AS Port have failed to win four of their last seven matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between AS Port and Zamalek at this level.
AS Port Targeting Solid Debut
AS Port are making their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League, although they have previously featured in the Confederation Cup. They qualified to Africa’s elite club competition after winning the 2025/26 Djibouti Premier League.
One of the issues likely to hamper AS Port’s maiden Champions League campaign is that they currently lack a CAF-approved stadium. As a result of this, Michael Barrymore's team reached an agreement with Zamalek for the Egyptians to host both legs of the tie in Cairo.
AS Port were last in action back in June when they claimed a 2-0 victory over FC Arta in a domestic fixture. However, a closer look at their overall form reveals an erratic run, having failed to win four of their last seven matches in all competitions.
Zamalek Vastly Experienced at this Level
Zamalek are considered one of the elite clubs in African football and have plenty of experience at this level. They are five-time winners of the CAF Champions League, although their last title came in 2002.
The task for Zamalek in this year's competition will be to end their lengthy drought. Motamed Gamal reached the qualifying stage of the Champions League after winning the 2025/26 Egyptian Premier League.
Zamalek are already up and running on the domestic scene this season, winning three of their last four matches, including a 2-1 victory over Petrojet in their previous fixture. Their recent form seems to be driven by a solid defence, having kept clean sheets in three of those four fixtures.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
AS Port (4-3-3): Nasradime Abdi Aptidon; Ali Farada, Dounia Ndayisenga, Benn Gyebi, Warsama Arden; Mohamed Omar, Shabani Mabano, Saleh Hassan; Frank Sarfo-Gyamfi, Abdillahi Elmi, David Cudjoe.
AS Port have no injuries or suspensions heading into this clash. Ndayisenga and Gyebi are expected to feature in central defence while Cudjoe is set to lead the line on Friday.
Zamalek (4-2-3-1): El Mahdi Soliman; Omar Haber, Mohamed Ismail, El Wensh Mahmoud, Mahmoud Bentayg; Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie; Oday Dabbagh, Mohamed El Sayed, Chico Banza; Hossam Achraf.
El Sayed was a second-half substitute for Zamalek last weekend and could earn a start after scoring off the bench. Ismail is set to feature at the back while Achraf is expected to lead the line.