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Preview: Zamalek out to rescue season in Egypt Cup final Holders Zamalek take on this season's surprise package Smouha in the Egypt Cup final in Cairo on Saturday
Zamalek, reeling from a turbulent season in which they finished third in the Egyptian Premier League despite looking favourites to end a 10-year drought, still have a chance for redemption when they meet an in-form Smouha side in the Egypt Cup final on Saturday. The Cairo giants, holders of Egypt's oldest club competition, produced some disappointing displays in the final four-team phase of the Premier League to finish behind winners Ahly and runners-up Smouha, prompting a partial squad overhaul. Coach Mido, whose future remains under scrutiny after failing to deliver in his first season in charge, is aware a loss to Smouha in the final could cost him his job but he has faith in a bunch of youngsters whom he promoted after excluding some regular players. A host of players are likely to be shown the door in the summer, including defender Mahmoud Fathallah and central midfielder Nour El-Sayed after they were blamed for a series of lackluster performances in the latter stages of the season. Although on paper Zamalek appear favourites to retain their cup title, Smouha's recent form suggests that they will be no pushovers against the White Knights. The Alexandria-based club, known for their attacking flair, qualified for the final after getting the better of league champions Ahly, beating them 2-1 and wasting several goal-scoring opportunities which would have given them a comprehensive win. Smouha's semi-final display was in stark contrast to Zamalek's, with the 22-time cup winners sneaking into the final by the skin of their teeth after needing penalty shootout to overcome modest Wadi Degla following a drab 0-0 draw. The match was originally scheduled to be held in Aswan but Zamalek and Smouha insisted they would not be able to play in the searing heat of the Upper Egyptian city, where temperature usually exceeds 40 degrees Celsius in the summer. The Egyptian Football Association eventually decided to stage the match at Cairo's army-owned Air Defence Stadium. Only 200 fans from both sides will be allowed to attend the match due to security concerns. Zamalek will be looking to shackle Smouha's dangerman Ahmed Hammoudi, a talented playmaker who is likely to seal a summer move to Swiss side Basel. Hammoudi was the architect of Smouha's surprise victory over Ahly, scoring twice and causing constant menace to the Red Devils' backline with his trickery and deft passes. Smouha defeated Zamalek 2-1 earlier this month in their second game of the final mini-league phase. (For more sports newsandupdates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/106576.aspx
