LIVE: Ceramica Cleopatra v Zamalek | Egyptian League
17:00 Cairo local time | 11:00 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Cairo Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf
Zamalek will have to do without a number of vital players when they meet Ceramica Cleopatra in their 2nd Egyptian Premier League game on Sunday, including influential guardian angel Mahmoud El- Wensh after he picked up a serious injury.
El-Wensh is facing up to six months on the sidelines after suffering a posterior tendon rupture during Zamalek’s 2-0 opening league win over Smouha on Wednesday.
To make matters worse, El-Wensh’s regular defensive partner Hossam Abdel-Maguid will also miss out after joining up with Egypt’s U23 national team, leaving coach Jesualdo Ferreira short of options at the back.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”In-article-Ad”]Ferreira, who usually plays with three central defenders, is likely to field new arrival Mostafa El-Zennari along with Mohamed Abdel-Ghani and natural right-back Hamza Mathlouthi.
Upfront, Senegalese winger Ibrahima Ndiaye remains out due to a knee cartilage injury. He is expected to be replaced by Mostafa Shalabi, who is set to make his debut after joining from Enppi.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”In-article-Ad”]Ferreira played down the injury concerns but his side will face a tough test against Ceramica Cleopatra, who made the most impressive league start by crushing the big-spending Masry 3-0.
Defending champions Zamalek looked lethargic and bereft of ideas for long spells against Smouha but a late own goal and a stoppage-time striker from Benin striker Samson Akinyoola gave them a precious win.
They will be eyeing a morale-boosting win over Ceramica Cleopatra before they meet perennial Cairo rivals Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup on Friday.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”In-article-Ad”]LIVE: Ceramica Cleopatra v Zamalek | Egyptian League
17:00 Cairo local time | 11:00 ET Canada-USA
