Zamalek SC head coach Jose Gomes has said they cannot underrate any opponent in their quest to retain the CAF Confederation Cup title. Speaking to marvelbetgames.com as they prepare to face debutants Kenya Police FC in the second preliminary round, Gomes believes African football has grown, and the days of underrating opponents are long gone.
The White Knights start their campaign in the second round, having been exempt from the first by virtue of being champions.
Every opponent is strong in African football now. If you let your opponents dominate the game, they will punish you. We cannot underrate anyone and as a team we always like to control the game and be in charge. Our ambition is to defend our title and we have to approach every game with a good plan.
Jose Gomes
Zamalek are back in Kenya after three years, having faced Tusker FC in 2021 at the same venue, the Nyayo Stadium, and beating them 1-0. Police FC will be a different ballgame and the coach is ready.
They are a good team. We have watched some of their games and know they are a side that can cause trouble for us. We will respect them and play the game with very good caution.
Jose Gomes
Zamalek won the Confederation Cup last season after edging out Morocco’s RS Berkane.