Game Info:
Game starts at 21:30 Cairo time (GMT+2)
Venue: Air Defense Stadium
Officials:
Referee: Gehad Greshah
Assistants: Tahsien Aboulsadat, Ahmed Hossam Taha
Cairo giants Zamalek, holders of Egypt’s oldest club competition, produced some disappointing displays in the final four-team phase of the Premier League to finish behind winners Ahly and runners-up Smouha, prompting a partial squad overhaul.
Coach Mido, whose future remains under scrutiny after failing to deliver in his first season in charge, is aware a loss to Smouha in the final could cost him his job but he has faith in a bunch of youngsters whom he promoted after excluding some regular players.
A host of players are likely to be shown the door in the summer, including defender Mahmoud Fathallah and central midfielder Nour El-Sayed after they were blamed for a series of lackluster performances in the latter stages of the season.
Although on paper Zamalek appear favourites to retain their cup title, Smouha’s recent form suggests that they will be no pushovers against the White Knights.
The Alexandria-based club, known for their attacking flair, qualified for the final after getting the better of league champions Ahly, beating them 2-1 and wasting several goal-scoring opportunities which would have given them a comprehensive win.
Smouha’s semi-final display was in stark contrast to Zamalek’s, with the 22-time cup winners sneaking into the final by the skin of their teeth after needing penalty shootout to overcome modest Wadi Degla following a drab 0-0 draw.
Live : Zamalek v Smouha, Egypt’s Cup final
