Sunday’s game in Cairo will decide the final placings in Group B, with both Pirates and Zamalek guaranteed a top two finish and progress to the semifinals.
A draw will be enough for Zamalek to finish top, while Pirates need an away win which they achieved over the Egyptian ‘White Knights’ in the African Champions League two years ago.
But whether Pirates are first or second in their group they will play again against tough north African opposition in the semifinals – either Al Ahly or Etoile du Sahel.
They are the top two in Group A and on Saturday will also play their last group matches to determine first and second place.
The winner of Group A plays the runners-up in Group B and vice-versa in the other semifinal tie.
Ahly of Egypt are the continent’s most successful club side and current holders of the Confederation Cup.
Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel have also won the Champions League and Confederation Cup before and are a perennial contender in pan-African club competition.
The semifinals of the Confederation Cup are on the weekend of September 25-26, with the group runners-up hosting the first leg.
The two group winners host the return legs on the weekend of October 3-4.