Zanaco face a massive test of character this evening away in Alexandria when they kickoff their 2017 CAF Champions League Group D campaign.

Mumamba Numba’s side face record 8-time champions Al Ahly of Egypt in what will be the two sides debut meeting in continental competition.

But Zanaco have yet to win on two previous visits to Egypt losing 1-0 away to Ismaily in the second round of the 2003 Champions League, before drawing 1-1 away to Haras el-Hedood in the group stage of the 2010 Confederation Cup.

“There is no need to fear them,” Zanaco defender and captain Ziyo Tembo said.

“They are a good side with a lot of experience and we respect them but we will do a huge disservice if we fear then even before we face them.”

However, Zanaco must improve in the group stage after advancing to the league phase in untidy fashion.

Zanaco collected just one win, recorded three draws and scored two goals on their way to qualifying to the group stage.

Their qualification was secured thanks to a 1-1 aggregate result after holding Young Africans of Tanzania 0-0 in the final leg in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, hosts Al Ahly will be hoping to get some revenge over Zambian opposition after Zesco United played an instrumental part in their group stage elimination in the 2016 edition of the same competition.

Zesco beat Al ahly 3-2 in Ndola in their opening Group A match last June and drew 2-2 in Cairo.