Zamalek claimed that their chances of making the CAF Champions League next season are boosted, despite their failure to reach the competition. The Whites, who finished third in the Egyptian league last season, are hoping to take advantage of second-placed Ismaili's decision to abandon the competition. Ismaili opted to take part in the Arab Champions League, leaving an empty slot for Egyptian clubs. Consequently, Zamalek made a request to CAF this month, asking the African football governing body to grant them an exceptional berth in the competition. The Cairo club's official site stated on Wednesday that their request was met with acknowledgement by CAF officials. Zamalek claimed that the African federation 'will not inhibit' them from making the competition if the Egyptian FA handed in an official request. The five-time African champions were embarrassingly eliminated from the tournament's group stage this term, finishing fourth in Group A.