When Zamalek won the Egypt Cup the past two seasons, they never came across arch foes Ahly. If they are to win a third straight title they might have to dispatch their nemesis this time around. The Cairo giants, who ended an 11-year wait for an elusive Premier League crown after ending the hegemony of Ahly last season, are eager to complete the double while their rivals are desperate not to end the season without a domestic title. Ahly face Petrojet while Zamalek take on Smouha, whom they beat in last year's final, in the semi-finals on Wednesday and Thursday respectively with neither likely to face a stiff competition en route to the 21 September final at Cairo's Petrosport stadium. Both are in a buoyant mood after finishing on top of their respective groups in the African Confederation Cup, the continent's secondary club competition, where they could also meet in the final should they overcome their semi-final opponents. Although Zamalek managed to win the league in convincing fashion, they still failed to end a Cairo derby jinx after losing 2-0 to Ahly, whom they had not defeated since beating a second string side in 2007. Smouha face an uphill climb to overcome a powerful Zamalek side that have further bolstered their squad in the summer with the addition of the likes of attacking midfielders Ahmed Hamoudi and Mahmoud Kahraba, with the latter earning plaudits for some superb displays in the Confederation Cup. The Alexandria-based club made their first appearance in the African Champions League but finished bottom of their group and are highly unlikely to cause an upset against Zamalek. "The match will be difficult against Smouha, but we are able to reach the final," said central midfielder Ibrahim Abdel-Khalek, who will face his former club after moving from Smouha to Zamalek in the summer. Ahly have also strengthened their squad and their most expensive signing, Gabon striker Malick Evouna, has already started to show flashes of his talent, although he was unlucky in front of goal during the team's 1-0 home win over Stade Malien in the Confederation Cup. The Red Devils last met Zamalek in the Egypt Cup in 2010, defeating them 3-1 in the round of 16 before going on to reach the final, where they lost to Haras El-Hodoud on penalties. Ahly, the record cup winners with 35 titles, have not won the title since 2007. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/141619.aspx
