Cairo Stadium will host an official football game for the first time since early 2012 when Zamalek host Ismaily today in the Egyptian Premier League tie.
Match info: Venue: Cairo Stadium | Date & Time: 2 Jan 2014 – 17:00 (CLT)
Zamalek and Ismaily were the last teams to play at the 74,100-seat stadium. However, their match was called off a few minutes after kick-off upon the request of both sides, who deemed it impossible to carry on when more than 70 Ahly fans were killed in coastal city Port Said less than an hour earlier.
Zamalek beat Masry 2-0 in Suez in their opening game while Ismaily, who played a match more, edged past promoted Qanah 2-1 and defeated Beni Suef Telephones 3-1.
Ismaily, who haven’t won any trophy since their 2002 Egyptian Premier League triumph, are taking heart from some impressive displays from Ghanaian 20-year-old striker John Antwi.
The talented marksman notched four goals in two matches to prove a perfect replacement for burly frontman Ahmed Ali, who is now at Zamalek and could face his former club in Thursday’s clash.
“Zamalek coach Helmi Toulan has given special instructions to his defenders on how to stop the threat of Antwi,” Ismaily, who will miss regular goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi due to injury, said on their official website.
Match info: Venue: Cairo Stadium | Date & Time: 2 Jan 2014 – 17:00 (CLT)
