Egyptian Premier League is back after a one-year stoppage.
All the matches will take place at military-owned stadiums, Egypts modern football facilities, as the EFA sought to provide a temporary solution to get the league going amid the clubs financial woes.
Egypts clubs had to offload many of their stars to stay alive, with lack of domestic action taking their toll on the cash-strapped sides, who were deprived of television revenues – their ultimate source of income.
Cairo giants Ahly, who rarely face financial difficulties, loaned out super playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika to United Arab Emirates side Bani Yas for $1.2 million.
They had also accepted an offer from English Championship (second division) side Hull City to sign influential duo Ahmed Fathi and Mohamed Nagy Gedo on loan until the end of the season.
The leagues traditional format has been changed due to shortage of time, as a two-group system was introduced for the fifth time in the competitions 65-year history.
The first two in each group will qualify for decisive round, which will feature a mini-league to determine the winner. Ahly, winners of the past seven editions, were separated from Cairo foes Zamalek in the draw.
Al Ahly will begin their campaign against Ghazl El-Mahalla on Saturday while Zamalek take on Alexandria-based club Ittihad later in the day. Both matches will be played in Cairo.
All games are live on NileSports.com
