Zaki return gives Zamalek much-needed firepower

Zamalek take heart from Amr Zaki's battling display against Smouha as they face Arab Contractors on Saturday

Amr Zaki's second-half appearance in Zamalek's 3-0 victory over Smouha last week gave coach Hossam Hassan a timely boost as the team struggle for efficiency upfront.
The burly striker was introduced in the second half with the score goalless and he made an instant impact, setting up Ahmed Gaafar for the opening goal ten minutes from time to break the resistance of Smouha and help Zamalek end a three-match winless run.
The regular absence of Zaki through niggling knee complaints this season left Hassan, a prolific striker in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, with few options upfront as Zamalek hardly made the most of the capabilities of their energetic and pacey attacking midfielders due to a lack of cutting edge.
The likes of Gaafar, Ivorian Abou Kone and Algerian Mohamed Aoudia failed to impress despite being given plenty of chances to prove their worth, leaving Zaki as the only reliable frontman at Hassan's disposal.
Gaafar has scored seven league goals so far, Kone notched once in the competition's opener and January-arrival Aoudia is yet to open his account.
Former Wigan Athletic striker Zaki could spearhead Zamalek's attack against Arab Contractors in Saturday's league encounter as the White Knights seek to stretch their lead over nearest challengers and arch-rivals Ahly to three points.
Defending champions Ahly, who eye a seventh successive league title, missed out on the chance of moving top at least for one day when they were held to a 2-2 draw by El-Entag El-Harby in a thrilling game on Friday.
“I'm in no hurry to regain my top form because I've just recovered from injury, but I promise the fans that I will do my best in the coming matches,” Zamalek's press release quoted Zaki as saying.
“Contractors got a morale boost following their win over Ismaily last week but we are not worried about that.”
Relegation-threatened Contractors, who lie third from bottom in the 16-team table, revived their survival hopes after claiming a stunning 1-0 victory over at title hopefuls Ismaily.
They were inspired by a superb performance from youngster Mohamed Salah, a promising attacking midfielder who was part of Egypt's squad in the African Youth Championship.
“We eye a victory over Zamalek to improve our poor home record and move out of the relegation zone,” Contractors coach Mohamed Radwan, who became the third manager to take over at the club this season following the departure of Frenchman Ivica Todorov last month, told Reuters Arabic.
“It will be a difficult contest because Zamalek are eager to remain on top of the league.”