Chelsea face Zamalek battle to save campaign

Berekum Chelsea's hopes of a semi-final place in the African Champions League hinges largely on the outcome of their clash with Zamalek in Cairo on Saturday.

The game at the Military Academy Stadium, will pit the Ghanaian side, sitting third in Group B with five points against the five-time African title holders, who are pointless after four consecutive losses.

Chelsea need a win to enhance their chances of reaching the last-four before the mid-September final group fixture against TP Mazembe, who will be home to group leaders, Al Ahly.

Zamalek will be determined to pick their first win in the group stage, though it make no difference to their chances of progress.

However, Chelsea, need to get the competition's leading scorer, Emmanuel Clottey, who has scored an impressive 12 goals, to find target after failing to score in their last game.

Hans Van der Plyum, the Chelsea coach, says their fate depends on the game against Zamalek.

"It's going to be a very tough game because we face a great team in its backyard. The mission is difficult especially for us because we go through this game looking for only victory to keep our semi final qualification dreams alive," the Chelsea coach said.

Plyum explains that any other result apart from a win will be hard to take.

"A defeat is not an option. We came to Cairo with one thing in mind; to win this match. Any other outcome will diminish our semi final qualification hopes. We will enter the game on attacking mode from the first whistle and will only play for maximum points."