Johannesburg - The Egyptian giants, Zamalek, will be looking to add a sixth CAF Champions League title to their overall haul when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns over two legs in the final.
The White Knights have spent the last 16 years watching their rivals Al-Ahly amass a record eight titles while they have been stuck on five since 2002.
ExtraStrong looks at three players who will be key for Zamalek's quest for glory:
Shikabala
Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah, if you”re being formal, was there when Zamalek won the Champions League in 2002. This highlights how long the 30-year-old has been at the highest level, even though he had stints in Greece, United Arab Emirates and Portugal in between his time with Zamalek.
He is one of the most loved figures of the side, their heartbeat. He makes Zamalek tick. Sundowns found a way to box him and nullify his threat when they met in the group stage. But even when he is tightly marked he is still a danger, especially on set-pieces. Shikabala masterminded Zamalek”s 4-0 thumping of Wydad Casablanca in the home leg of the semifinal, even scoring an audacious goal after running half the field with the ball. He also packs a powerful shot.
Mostafa Fathi
The 22-year-old is one of the brightest young stars from Egypt. He has already attracted interest from Italy, France and Switzerland. Fathi has won almost everything there is to win in Egypt. The Champions League is the only missing puzzle and winning it would be a good way to bow out of Zamalek.
The left-footed winger plays mostly on the right side which allows him to cut inside before unleashing a shot. He takes those shots with both feet even though the left is his strongest. He is fast and skillful.
Basem Morsy
The 24-year-old is Zamalek”s leading scorer in the Champions League with four goals. Two of those goals came against Enyimba in their two 1-0 wins that guaranteed them a semifinal place after their two losses to Sundowns. He gives Zamalek strength in the box where his physical exploits come in handy.
He might not look the part but he is a strong forward with an eye for goal and a poacher”s instinct in the box. He finished as the club”s top scorer in his first season with the side in the 2014/15 campaign, two goals behind the league”s top marksman, Hossam Salama, who finished with 20 goals.
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