K.O. 19:30 Cairo local time | 12:30 ET Canada-USA
Venue: Alawwal Park (Saudi Arabia)
The game will be officiated by a foreign referee crew led by Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco.
Ahly and Zamalek are set to clash in the Egypt Cup final in Saudi Arabia tonight, making it the inaugural instance in the competition’s history where the match will take place overseas.
The victor of the final will not only seize the esteemed title but also secure additional prize money, rendering this edition of the tournament the most financially rewarding domestic event thus far.
The winner will receive $ 950,000.
The best player in the game will receive $50,000.
Defending Champions Set Their Sights on the Prize!
Ahly, the defending champions, clinched their spot in the final with an impressive 3-0 win over Enppi in the semi-finals.
Guided by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, the Red Devils have showcased excellent form and will approach the final with optimism, drawing strength from their past victories against Zamalek.
Nevertheless, Ahly will be missing key players such as first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawi, defender Yasser Ibrahim, Malian midfielder Alio Dieng, and promising Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali, all sidelined due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Koller remains confident in the ability of his experienced squad to navigate the match.
“We have several absences, but the team has many experienced players capable of dealing with this type of game,” Ahly coach Marcel Koller said during the pre-match news conference.
Koller opted to leave out winger Ahmed Abdel-Kader, defender Mahmoud Metwally, and Tunisian forward Mohamed Dhaoui due to their insufficient readiness.
Ahly has triumphed over Zamalek three times this season, securing victories with scores of 2-0, 3-0, and 4-1.
“Matches against Zamalek are consistently tough. They’re a formidable team, and our successes against them stem from thorough preparation and dedication. However, there’s no guaranteed formula for victory,” remarked Koller, acknowledging the formidable challenge presented by Zamalek.
ZAMALEK seeks revenge!
Under the guidance of the newly elected board and Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, Zamalek are resolute in their quest to claim their inaugural title of the season.
The White Knights advanced to the Egypt Cup final following an exhilarating clash with Pyramids FC, culminating in a 3-3 draw in regular time and settled by penalties, with Zamalek emerging victorious with a 4-3 scoreline.
Since assuming his role in early February, Gomes has steered Zamalek to two victories and one draw across various competitions.
“I commenced my journey with Ahly Jeddah by clinching the Saudi Cup title, and I aspire to replicate that success with Zamalek by winning the Egypt Cup. My current objective with Zamalek is to secure our first trophy and bring joy to the White Castle’s loyal supporters,” stated Gomes during the pre-game press conference.
Emphasizing Zamalek’s illustrious history of securing titles, Gomes added, “Zamalek is a renowned club accustomed to lifting trophies, and it’s imperative we uphold this legacy against Ahly in the final.”
Zamalek will be without seasoned defenders Mahmoud ‘El-Wensh’ Hamdi and Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, both recovering from surgery to mend ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in their knees.
Gomes will lean on the expertise of playmakers Mahmoud ‘Shikabala’ Abdel-Razek and newly acquired Abdallah El-Said, along with wingers Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed, Nasser Maher, and Tunisian striker Seifeddin Jaziri in the attacking line.
Egypt Cup FINAL: Ahly v Zamalek | Cairo Derby 2024
K.O. 19:30 Cairo local time | 12:30 ET Canada-USA
