Zamalek have no option but to defeat Ittihad El-Shorta on Saturday if they are to reach the final Egyptian Premier League phase and continue their pursuit of their first title in 10 years. Following another African Champions League setback, which saw Zamalek lose 1-0 at DR Congo's Mazembe, the Cairo giants can ill-afford missing out on a place in the four-team final league playoffs, which features the winners and runners up of groups A and B. Lying third in their group on 32 points, two adrift of second-placed Petrojet and one ahead of Ismaily, Zamalek will be having a make-or-break tie with leaders El-Shorta, who are one point clear of Petrojet. In case Zamalek win, they will become level on 35 points with Shorta, but the Whites would be going through instead due to better head-to-head record. Zamalek manager Mido will also be bearing in mind that another loss could well cost him his post following a string of dismal displays that left his side languishing at the bottom of their Champions League group. The 11-time league champions will be only missing young forward Youssef 'Obama' Ibrahim as injured left-back Ahmed Samir Farag will undergo scans to determine whether he could feature in the crucial match. Ahly and Smouha have already guaranteed their places in the final mini league phase. (For more sports news and updates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/103626.aspx
