Surprise package Smouha will be hoping to cause a huge upset when they face Ahly in the competition's finale at Cairo Stadium on Monday. After crushing Petrojet 4-1 and overcoming Zamalek 2-1 in the four-team mini-league table, the Alexandrians will be looking to build on their superb displays when they visit Ahly to claim their first-ever domestic trophy. Smouha, however, will be having an uphill task against their fancied opponents, who will only need a draw to add a record 37th title - their consecutive eighth - to their heavily-laden trophy cabinet. But Ahly should not be taking the game for granted after particularly struggling against Smouha in their last league encounter, which saw Egypt international Abdallah El-Saied salvage a late draw – a result that helped the Reds move to second just behind the then-league leaders. Even so, Ahly will be entering the game with a calm approach following their comprehensive victory over Petrojet, according to caretaker coach Fathi Mabrouk – whose Smouha clash will be his final at the helm. "The win over Petrojet is going to benefit us much when we take on Smouha," Mabrouk said. "Now we got two chances; either to win or draw. That will make us approach the game with a calmer approach. "On the contrary, Smouha have no option but to win…unlike us who got two options in the game." Should Smouha, who sealed top-flight promotion in 2010, cause a major upset, they will make history with their maiden league title. The league Dark Horse, managed by former Egypt assistant coach Hamada Sedki, have already booked a Champions League spot after being guaranteed at least a second-place finish this season. Egypt international playmaker Ahmed Hamoudi is their starman as they will be also counting on ex-Ahly forward Hany El-Egeizy and former Zamalek midfielder Alaa Ali, who scored in the last game against his old club, in threatening the Cairo side's goal. Ahly, on the other side, will be relying on young striker Amr Gamal in rounding off their attacks after producing a string of stunning displays which saw him bag nine league goals this season. Teenage duo Ramadan Sobhi and Karim Bambo could also prove handful after impressing in Ahly's last two league games – with the former grabbing a brace in the win over Petrojet. Egypt striker Emad Meteb has been included in the squad after missing the majority of the season through injury. Midfielder Hossam Ashour also managed to make the roster after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the win over Petrojet. Meanwhile, the absence of injured duo Rami Rabia and Ahmed Shokry continues as Walid Soliman has yet to recuperate from his long-term knee problem. (For more sports newsandupdates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/105600.aspx
