"Zamalek have returned to their best and became one of the strongest teams home and away,” Yacoubi told Assabah newspaper.

"The first leg will be hectic. We are preparing physically, technically and most importantly mentally in order to get a positive result before the return leg."

Zamalek will visit the Tunisian giants by the end of March as the second leg takes place in Cairo at the start of April.

The Whites, who returned to Africa’s top club competition after a three-year absence, booked a place in the round of 32 after outclassing Kenyan minnows Ulinzi Stars 5-0 on aggregate.