Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan believes discipline and a clear tactical plan will help Amakhosi get the result they need against Zamalek to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Chiefs head into the final Group D fixture in a strong position after their 2-1 win over Al Masry at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. ZESCO United further boosted the result with a surprise 1-0 victory over Zamalek in Ndola.
The outcomes left Amakhosi top of the group, knowing that even a draw away to the Egyptian giants in Cairo on Saturday would be enough to seal a place in the final eight.
Khan feels the approach used against Al Masry provides a solid foundation. He believes adjustments are needed for the challenge at Zamalek.
FAKOUK KHAN: I WOULD GO FOR A 4-5-1
“I think I would not change the team [against Al Masry],” Khan said on Soccer Beat. “But for the mere fact of playing against a team like Zamalek, I would go for a 4-5-1. I will tell you why.
“Because you can’t underestimate Zamalek away. I would like to absorb the pressure. Look to play with a mid-block, look to use my wingers on transition.
“I would plan a transition game because, as long as I keep Zamalek out, I stand a chance of getting that important goal.
“If you go and play Zamalek with an open game, they will dominate the midfield, they will dominate the midfield, they will attack you at every opportunity, and all they need to do is get a goal.
“When Kaizer Chiefs go a goal down, the going gets tough. We saw against Stellenbosch, they went 2-0 down and struggled.
“It is important to plan strategically against Zamalek. All they need against Zamalek is a draw. If they get a draw, they are going through. I would be more conservative,” Khan concluded.
Amakhosi, who announced their travelling squad, touched down in Egypt on Wednesday night ahead of the game that has been moved from Sunday to Saturday. The Egyptian giants have also moved the high-stakes encounter from Cairo to the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, roughly 115 km away.
CHIEFS’ SQUAD FOR THE ZAMALEK TIE
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