The Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek, which will be played on 7 February as planned, unless delayed by Egyptian security authorities, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president Samir Zaher confirmed on Wednesday. “Despite the fact that the match will coincide with the Shura council elections, there is no need to postpone the match,” Zaher told Reuters. The first Cairo derby of the season was due to take place on 29 January but it was rescheduled to the new date because of the postponement of the 16th round of the Egyptian Premier League at the request of the interior ministry. The ministry said it would be busy securing the first session of the People's Assembly last Monday and would also “safeguard the state's facilities on the first anniversary of the January 25 Revolution on Wednesday.” “We will not delay any further matches to avoid negatively affecting the national team's preparations for the 2013 African Cup of Nations,” explained Zaher. The bitter rivals played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Cairo Stadium the last time they met back in June. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online sports on Twitter: @AO_Sports)
