With 100,000 cheering fans behind them, beating Zamalek on their home turf in Cairo is regarded as mission impossible by most visiting teams.

But Idrissa Traore, a member of Asec's coaching crew, says the Ivorian team is looking forward to their Champions League encounter on Friday.

Surprisingly, Traore looks forward to facing the hostile Egyptian crowd.

"As far as the environment is concerned, I know my boys will not be happy if there is no public.

"They are happier when there are lots of people watching.

"Don't forget, they have played against big teams like Lazio in the past, so they love the big stage," Traore told BBC Sport online.

Fearless

Traore is not bothered by the reputation of the outfit his young team is facing.

"I haven't seen Zamalek play, even on video, but I have my ideas about Egyptian football.

"Every team in the last eight starts as equals, so you cannot say any are better than the others," Traore concluded.

The Burkinabe coach, in his second spell with the Ivorian champions, has past experience of beating Zamalek.

In 1978, he coached a team from his home country to a shock win over the Egyptian giants.

Traore believes Asec can repeat the win.

"My team needs to be motivated, but when it makes up its mind to play, it cannot be beaten."