About the Derby:
The most fierce and biggest rivalry in not only Egypt, but arguably all of Northern Africa, is the Cairo Derby between Al-Ahly and Zamalekk.
In Andy Mitten’s brilliant book, Mad for It, he argues that “Cairo boasts a footballing rivalry that can genuinely claim to dwarf Real v Barca and Boca v River Plate. Al-Ahly v Zamalek goes beyond fanatical. It is part football match, part political rally, part history lesson and generally a good excuse for the locals to hurl rocks at each other.”
Like many of the fiercest rivalries in the world of football, the Cairo Derby was shaped by historical, political and economic factors. With both clubs located within Egypt’s capital, Zamalek were perceived to be the club of Egypt’s wealthier families and Al-Ahly were given the mantle of being the club of the people.
The rivalry took on a political spin in the 1940’s, as Ahly became the de facto club for Nationalists in Cairo, and Zamalek supporters were seen as Royalists.
Al Ahly vs Zamalek | Cairo Derby 2015 Preview
Zamalek are now one point away from their first Egyptian league title since 2004. Ahly have been the league champions for the past eight seasons.
Zamalek News:
A hat-trick from red-hot striker Bassem Morsi inspired Zamalek to a thumping 4-0 victory over already-relegated Nasr on Wednesday to come within one point of their first Egyptian Premier League title in 11 years.
Zamalek are sweating over the fitness of key duo Ayman Hefni and Mostafa Fathi after the talented attacking midfielders picked up minor injuries ahead of the anticipated Cairo derby against Ahly on Tuesday.
Playmaker Hefni and winger Fathi, who formed the backbone of a powerful Zamalek side this season, sustained knee injuries during the team’s 4-0 rout of already-relegated Nasr on Wednesday.
The club said the injuries were not serious but that both would undergo scans to determine their availability for a crunch derby when Zamalek will be eyeing at least a draw to be crowned Egyptian Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.
A draw for Zamalek, who have not beaten their cross-town rivals since 2007, will give them an unassailable nine-point lead over the Red Devils with two matches to go.
Al Ahly News:
Ahly goalkeeper Sheriff Ekramy is ready for Tuesday’s anticipated Cairo derby against rivals Zamalek, the club announced late Friday.
Ekramy was suffering from a foot injury, but rejoined Friday’s training session without problems.
Defender Sherif Abdel-Fadil also returned to Friday’s session after missing two days for personal reasons.
Ahly duo Mohamed “Gedo” Nagi and Sherif Abdel-Fadil have officially signed new contracts with the club, the Cairo giants announced early on Tuesday.
“Gedo and Abdel-Fadil have agreed to extend their stay with Ahly for another three years starting from next season,” football sector manager Alaa Abdel-Sadek told the club’s official website.
“Both players are sincere and deserve attention and care as they have delivered a lot for Ahly,” he added.
The Match Stadium Mystery:
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) initially said the match would take place in El-Gouna but Ahly insisted they would not play in the Red Sea resort, citing the pitch’s poor condition.
Several cities have reportedly refused to host the match, which will be played behind closed doors, including the capital Cairo and Suez.
