Ethiopian Knock-out cup holders and Confederation Cup new comer WolaytaDicha entertains visitors Zamalek on Wednesday at Hawassa International stadium in the 2nd preliminary round first leg home qualification showdown. The return leg takes place in Alexandria after nine days.
An amazing turn around to a successful Ethiopian Premier League mid-season followed by a 2-1 aggregate victory over Zimamoto of Zanzibar in the club’s first ever international stage, WolaytaDicha has the backing of the home supporters to mount a strong showdown over one of the continent’s giant sides Zamalek on Wednesday. The senior players that had been absent in Zimamoto’s two leg encounters are returning to the lineup and Togolese international Jaco Arafat in top form, the home side has every armament to take visitors Zamalek by sheer surprise.
The 107 year-old five time African champion Zamalek is among the very best team of Africa and currently 2nd in the Egyptian league table twenty-one points behind leaders Ahly. However it doesn’t mean in bad form for they won the last five consecutive matches thus the hosts are in need of some respect. Had the game taken place in Addis Ababa, Wolayta could have had a high altitude advantage. But the resort town might help ease the burden for the visitors that are famous for playing an away defensive formation then a slaughtering attack at home front.
Back from a defeat at the hands of Jimma AbaJifar, Dicha needs a strong home showdown. “Our players are ready to mount a huge challenge over Zamalek and the current performance not history will set us free,” emotional Wolayta head coach Zenebe Feseha said.
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