By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport, Cairo

Some members of our board wanted us to withdraw from the game but we will not Zamalek President Mortada Mansour

Zamalek President Mortada Mansour has admitted the club's management considered pulling out of Sunday's Champions League semi-final against Ahly.

"Yes, some members of our board wanted us to withdraw from the game but we will not," Mansour told BBC Sport.

"I urged my players to do their best and told them that I expect nothing less than a victory."

The problems at the Cairo club worsened after Tuesday's 5-0 league loss to Haras El Hedood, which led team coach Farouk Gafaar to offer his resignation, which was rejected by Zamalek's board.

Gafaar is preparing the team in a training camp in Ismailia for the game.

Have Your Say on 606 Will Zamalek beat Ahly?

Captain Hazem Emam, goalkeeper Abdel Wahed El Sayed and international striker Abdel Halim Ali are all suffering from injuries, which make them doubtful for the Sunday derby.

To calm frayed nerves and rebuild team spirit, the suspension of Ibrahim Said, who was sanctioned for verbally challenging coach Gafaar, was lifted and he is expected to be in the frame for Sunday's game.

We are in top form and my players are in a mindset for only victory Ahly coach Manuel Jose

In contrast to the chaos at Zamalek, Ahly coach Manuel Jose believes the Egyptian champions will maintain their 15-month unbeaten streak and stay on course for the million-dollar prize.

"We are in top form and my players are in a mindset for only victory," Jose boasted.

But the Portuguese coach insisted he is not taking Sunday's game for granted.

"Zamalek may be facing some troubles but I plan to give them the respect they deserve.

"It would be a huge mistake to underestimate them."

Emad Meteib, who is Ahly's top striker, should play a vital role in Sunday's game.

But the marksman received attention for all the wrong reasons, after he was briefly held in custody on Wednesday following a dispute with a policeman.

Despite their eternal rivalry, the two Cairo clubs sides have only met once in African competition.