The Cairo giants and the Tunisian outfit were drawn with each other in the round of 32. Both sides are considered to be title contenders.

"The game is too tough and too early," Zamalek football director said. "Africain are a great team who boast a good African pedigree.

"We have our reputation too and that's what will make the (two-legged) tie pulsating. Neither team will accept to be ousted from this round."

Hassan assured his men are well prepared for the clash but couldn't deny that lack of league action had taken a toll on the Whites.

"We are ready for the match," he stated. "We played a number of friendly games and there were other preparations during our training camp in Syria.

"But deteriorated fitness is our only problem, thanks to the league pause. But Africain suffered from similar circumstances so our chances are equal."

Speaking of the opposition, Hassan said: "Africain are like an open book for us; we know all their strengths and weaknesses."

Missing Players

Zamalek striker Amr Zaki will miss the game through injury, forward Hussein Yasser is suspended while hitman Mido is ineligible for the competition.

The absence of the three players is expected to weaken the team's frontline but Hassan seemed to be unfazed by the missing players.

"There are absentees but we have many competent replacements," he added.

Zamalek's Capabilities Exaggerated?

On the other hand, Africain manager Kais Yaakoubi deeply believes in his side's ability to go through.

"No need to exaggerate Zamalek's capabilities. With all due respect we can register a victory," he told Tunisian newspaper Al-Sabah.

"I watched some of Zamalek's games and will employ the suitable formation accordingly… we are ready despite the Tunisian League stoppage."

Sports competitions were halted in Egypt and Tunisia of late after revolts broke out and caused the regimes in both countries to be brought down.

Harras Hodoud vs. Dedebit

Another African clash takes place on Sunday when Harras Hodoud take on Ethiopia's Dedebit in the Confederation Cup round of 32.

Hosts Hodoud were dealt a blow early this month with the news that winger Ahmed Eid will be out for up to three months after undergoing knee surgery.

The 30-year-old sustained a cartilage problem in a friendly game with Ismaili and was initially expected to be sidelined only for three weeks.

However, an additional setback was discovered during surgery.

"The surgeon discovered an ulcer that had to be removed during the operation. He will be out for three months between healing and rehab," Hodoud assistant coach Abou-Taleb Al-Essawi told FilGoal.com.

"The management is very upset with the news. We could miss Eid until the quarter-final stage of the Confederation Cup should we advance."