Zamalek hosts Al Ahly in another tense Cairo Derby
All eyes will once again be on Cairo International Stadium as Cairo giants Zamalek and Al Ahly lock horns once again this Sunday when Egyptian Premier League gets back gets back to life after the international window with a Matchday 6 blockbuster.
Both sides are tied on 13 points with Zamalek leapfrogging arch-rivals Al-Ahly on goal difference, while they both trail leaders Pyramids who sit top with the perfect record of 15 points. The Egyptian Premier League is played on two phases, where all 20 teams play each other in the 1st round, then top 6 teams face together to determine the champions, while the other 14 sides play to avoid the 4-team relegation zone.
Sunday’s game marks the 133rd League Derby, with Al Ahly dominating on 52 wins compared to Zamalek’s 29 and 51 draws. Despite the “White Knights” being crowned champions last season; their rivals the “Red Devils” had completed the league double winning 2-1 and 3-0 respectively.
Led by former player Moatamed Gamal who managed them to last season’s title, Zamalek are eager to secure a win that will boast their hopes of retaining the title, before shifting attention to their Total Energies CAF Champions League 2nd preliminary round against Rwanda’s APR next weekend.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly’s Moroccan Coach Hussein Ammouta will have his first taste of the Cairo Derby after joining the Red Devils last summer. Ammouta became the second non-Egyptian African coach to guide Al Ahly after South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane and wants to imitate the later amazing record that saw him winning 3 and drawing once of his 4 games against Zamalek.
Players to watch
Zamalek conceded only one goal this season and will look forward to their goalkeeper Al Mahdy Soliman to continue this awesome run against their rivals. Palestinian striker Oday El Dabbagh is set to guide Zamalek attack, accompanied by Angolan international winger Chico Banza, who is just back in Cairo after his international duty with “Palancas Negras”.
Al Ahly on the other side will be looking high at the Moroccan attacking duo of Achraf Bencharki and Suofiane Benjdida. Former Zamalek winger Bencharki has already scored 4 goals in the red jersey against his ex-side, while Benjdida, who was Moroccoan “Botola” top scorer last season is still looking for his first league goal since joining Al Ahly from MAS Fes last summer. Fans’ favourite Emam Ashour is expected to lead his side from midfield.