Match info:
Venue: Air Defence Stadium | Date & Time: 29 Jan 2015 – 18:00 (Cairo Local Time)
Live: Right here on nilesports.com, Nile Sports TV, CBC 2 Egypt, Al Nahar Sports
Zamalek have the upper hand going into Thursday’s Cairo derby but this is hardly an encouraging sign for their demanding supporters, who often see their side stumble against Ahly even when they enjoy the favorites tag.
Zamalek
The White Knights have not defeated their bitter rivals in all competitions since beating a second-string Ahly side 2-0 in 2007 in the Egyptian Premier League, prompting sarcastic talks of a “mental block” that is haunting them.
They lost 10 matches and drew eight in their last 18 encounters against Ahly, who are seeking to equal their own record of winning the Premier League nine times in a row.
“My players are fully ready for the game and they are well aware of its importance. I can see a determination to win in their eyes,” said Salah temporary Zamalek coach.
“I asked my players to try and score an early goal that would calm their nerves.”
Al Ahly
Ahly seem relaxed despite a stuttering first half of the season that saw them lose twice and draw five times in their first 16 matches, a poor record by their own high standards.
Spanish coach Juan Carlos Garrido led Ahly to the Super Cup and African Confederation Cup triumphs but he must deliver in the league to bridge an eight-point gap with Zamalek, who played a game more.
“We are under no pressure whatsoever. On the contrary, I believe that our opponents are the ones who are under pressure because they bought a wholly new team, so they have no option but to beat us,” said football director and former central defender Wael Gomaa, who was a key member of a hugely successful Ahly side during the past decade.
“Whoever wins will not lose the league and whoever loses will not lose the league. There is a still long way to go.”
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