With Tusker FC taking on Egyptian side Zamalek in the first leg clash of the two teams CAF Champions League second preliminary round clash at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, a group stage spot awaits the team that emerges victorious over the two legs.Ahead of the game, we take a look at the players who are likely to make the difference for both sides in the first leg.TuskerJoshua IbrahimSince joining the twelve-time Kenyan champions from Tanzanian side Ken Gold, the bulky striker has quickly adapted to life at his new side as he has impressively found the back of the net three times in four games for Tusker. Joshua played a key role in getting the Brewers to the second round as he scored two goals in the 4-1 aggregate win over Djibouti’s AS Arta Solar 7 in the first round clash.The indefatigable Joshua Ibrahim is back. Zamalek ain’t ready. https://t.co/vdl6nCZZLv— Japheth Mutinda (@JaphMutinda) October 8, 2021 The striker stands out as a player to watch with his domineering and bullish physique that demands a defender’s full attention in order to be silenced.Can strike them from distance as well which if used well could be a source of attacking threat for Tusker in the game.Boniface MuchiriThe agile winger could be a good weapon for Tusker to use when planning to hit the Egyptians on the counter. Muchiri has the ability to take on and beat his markers with his on the left wing channel where he likes to cut onto his right foot before trying to bend one in. Highly effective on set pieces as well which could be an area Tusker maximize on in any given chance✨|Your Man of the Match is Boniface Muchiri of @tusker_fc #BKPLLigiYetu #BKPL pic.twitter.com/xLC6cz5sxp— FKF Premier League (@Officialfkfpl) June 23, 2021 Brian BwireIf it is one area that Tusker is not lacking in numbers, it has to be the goalkeeping department. Currently, head coach Robert Matano has four able shot stoppers to turn to in the game.Fast rising prospect Brian Bwire could however have the slight advantage among the other three goalkeepers.Bwire’s distribution is up there with the very best. If his team’s strikers could only increase their intelligence just a little bit, so many opportunities would be created with just one kick. pic.twitter.com/YBVKCj1Bwz— Ochi (@soo_ochieng) October 11, 2021 The goalkeeper who recently made his debut with the national team Harambee Stars is extremely perfect at his ball distribution. Can literally find you with the ball in tiny spaces with just a single kick from his goal line area. A tactic that could help in quickly turning defense into attack and consequently creation of chances.On the flipside, the keeper will need to be at his very best in order to keep out danger from the Egyptian who will, more often than not, ask questions of Tusker.ZamalekShikabalaThe Zamalek FC captain is the symbolic icon of the team who coordinates and sets the tempo for the side. At 35 years old, the midfielder offers the perfect blend of experience, talent and leadership on the pitch needed to steer teams into the group stages.Just a reminder zamalek will be playing on Saturday 4 pm EAT and I will be at the stadium to watch King shika my goat. While others are are watching Europeans on TV I will be watching my guy live ❤️. #whitekhights @Shikabala @ZSCOfficial_EN pic.twitter.com/f6b98xQKbs— EVNS (@Evans_o_o) October 14, 2021 Achraf BencharkiThe Moroccan attacker finished the 2020/2021 Egyptian Premier League season as Zamalek’s top scorer. In 34 league games, the foward scored 15 goals and added another five assists to get to twenty goal involvements.❤❤ pic.twitter.com/7UYPlRuZcT— Achraf Bencharki (@bencharkiachraf) September 27, 2021 Youssef Ibrahim ObamaComing in second place on the scoring charts at Zamalek behind Bencharki was Obama. The 26 year old midfielder scored ten goals and added a further three assists as the duo helped the White Knights regain the title from fierce rivals Al Ahly in ther 2020/2021 campaign.Most points won with goals for Zamalek in the league 📊- Achraf Bencharki 10- Youssef ‘Obama’ 8 – Zizo 6 pic.twitter.com/Ivz3lTrStv— KingFut.com (@King_Fut) August 25, 2021
