Cairo Stadium is set to host tonight at 7 p.m. the highly-anticipated match between Zamalek and Al Ahly, postponed from the tenth week of the Egyptian Premier League.
The match holds significant importance for both teams, with Al Ahly having lost 9 points and Zamalek 18. A victory for Zamalek would reduce Al Ahly's lead to 12 points, reigniting their hopes for the title. Conversely, a win for Al Ahly would widen the gap to 21 points, potentially pushing Zamalek out of contention.
Al Ahly currently holds 21 points from 10 matches, with 6 games in hand against Al Ittihad Alexandria, Pharco, El Daklyeh, Talaea El Gaish, Pyramids, and Modern Sports. Meanwhile, Zamalek has 18 points from 12 matches, with 4 postponed games against Ceramica Cleopatra, Pharco, Talaea El Gaish, and Baladya Al Mahalla.
Both teams are plagued by the absence of 23 influential players. Zamalek will miss the likes of Mahmoud Abdel Razek "Shikabala," Mostafa Schoubi, and Ibrahim Ndai, while Al Ahly will be without Mohamed El Shenawy, Yasser Ibrahim, and Marwan Mohsen, among others.
The absence of key players will notably impact the midfield battle, where Al Ahly's defensive prowess will be tested against Zamalek's numerical superiority. In the attacking department, Zamalek will feel the absence of Hussein El Shahat and Percy Tau, affecting their offensive depth.
Portuguese coach Jaime Pacheco seeks his first victory over Al Ahly, aiming to rectify the defeat suffered in the Egypt Cup final. With the selected lineup likely to mirror the recent match against Al Ittihad Alexandria, Zamalek will rely on Mohamed Awad in goal and a solid defensive line.
Despite the challenges posed by absentees, Al Ahly holds a slight advantage with a stronger bench comprising Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Mahmoud Kahraba, and Antony Modeste. In contrast, Zamalek's options are limited, primarily relying on Saif El-Jaziri and Nasser Mansi.
The match will be officiated by Ibrahim Nour El-Din, assisted by Samy Helal and Hany Abdel Fattah, with Ahmed El Ghandour as the fourth official. Video Assistant Referees will be Mohamed Adel and Atef Hussein, supported by Mahmoud Abu Elregal.
Stay tuned for the outcome of this crucial encounter as Zamalek and Al Ahly battle it out for league supremacy amidst significant player absences.
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