Zamalek will lock horns with arch-rivals Al Ahly in Africa’s biggest derby on 22 July in the second round of the CAF Champions League group stage. The White Castle lost to Ghana’s Chelsea 3-2 in their previous match of the continental championship. Al Ahly Snatch 2-1 Win Over TP Mazembe.
Al Ahly team News:
BARAKAT IS BACK
Mohamed Barakat will be ready for Zamalek clash in the African Champions League following a minor injury, there were doubts that he might be not available for the Cairo derby.
Ahly new signing Konan is eager to shine
Ahly Ivorian striker Oussou Konan has expressed his hopes of scoring in his first Cairo showdown against archrivals Zamalek in the second matchday of the CAF Champions League group stage 22 July.
“I hope to score against Zamalek in my first appearance in the Cairo Derby,” Konan was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.
“Scoring in the Cairo Derby keeps you inside the fans’ memory,” he added.
The 23-year-old hitman, who joined Maqassa in 2010 from Tunisias Esperance, signed a three-year contract with Ahly during the summer transfer window.
Hossam Ghaly return
Al Ahly’s defender Hossam Ghaly returned to training after recovering from back problems.
Ahmed Shokry looking for glory
Ahead of Zamalek clash, Ahly takes on youngster Ahmed Shokry.
According to the club’s official website, the Egyptian champions need the efforts of the skillful youngster in the upcoming matches.
Shokry will be the fifth player to be registered continentally recently, after the Reds this month took on goalkeeper Mahmoud Abou El-Saoud, winger Ahmed Sedik, forward Oussou Konan and Mahmoud Hassan “Trezegue”.
Zamalek Team News:
Salah Soliman overcomes his injury
Zamalek defender Salah Soliman says he has recovered from the thigh injury he picked up during a training session with the Egyptian Olympic team, insisting that he will be ready for the anticipated clash against Ahly in the CAF Champions League next week.
“I hope I will be named for the Ahly match to create real solid defence with my teammate Mahmoud Fathallah, hopefully after he recuperates from his [knee] injury on time too,” the 22-year-old was quoted as saying by his clubs official website.
Zamalek new signing Tolba.
Zamalek sign Hamada Tolba from Maqassa on loan as they seek to reinforce their shaky backline.
Zamalek have signed Maqassa defender Hamada Tolba on a season-long loan for LE1.5 million, the clubs board member Ibrahim Youssef announced on Sunday.
The player will be registered in the teams African Champions League squad to be ready for the upcoming game against Ahly.
Fathallah is OK.
Fathallah sustained a minor knee injury but Zamalek said earlier on Sunday he would be available for the Cairo derby.
