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.
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.
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.
LIVE: Ceramica Cleopatra v Zamalek | Egyptian League
17:00 Cairo local time | 11:00 ET Canada-USA
