There were no winners or losers in the Egyptian derby, writes Abeer Anwar Ahli and Zamalek tied 0-0 in a fast-paced, wide open match that thrilled the capacity crowd in Cairo Stadium on a cool Saturday evening despite the absence of goals. The tie was in Ahli's favour. Although Zamalek remain in first place in the league one point ahead of Ahli, 36 to 35, Ahli have three games in hand, against Ismaili, Cement Suez and the Border Guards, because of their participation in the World Club Championship held in Japan in December. It was the 96th time the two arch-rivals of Cairo have met. In the previous 95 encounters, Ahli had won 32 times, Zamalek 24. There had been 39 draws. In their two last meetings, in the semi-final of the African Champions League late last year, Ahli won both games. In recent league play, Ahli had again won the last two games. Saturday's game was much closer, the teams playing close knit and energised football. Ball possession was equal as were missed chances. In the second half, Ahmed Hassan had Ahli's best chance, sliding in for a side shot from a cross but the ball sailed wide. Mustafa Gaafar of Zamalek could have put his side in the lead also in the second half, had his close-range header found the left side of the net Ahli had earlier in the week suggested that the spectators of both clubs not be separated by artificial barriers or policemen, as is normally done, in keeping with the semblance of unity seen in the Africa Cup of Nations. In the end, Cairo Stadium security was against the idea and decided to play it safe. Still, Ahli and Zamalek presidents Hassan Hamdi and Mursi Attallah sat side by side as if to announce a new era of friendship. The game was an all-Portuguese coaching duel, Manuel Jose of Ahli and the new Manuel Cagoda at the helm of Zamalek. The two had never battled each other in Egypt. In the Portuguese league, they met 13 times. Jose was triumphant seven times, Cagoda once, with five ties. For those with a superstitious nature, in the months of March, Ahli had won four times to Zamalek's three with four draws. Ahli was fresh from winning the African Super Cup last week but had also tied with lowly Mehalla in the domestic league 2-2, ending Ahli's perfect winning streak at 11. Zamalek came into the match nursing a three-game win streak. The squad also seemed to be rejuvenated in the wake of the change of club president, board members and the replacement of veteran coach Farouk Gaafar. Ahli faced a rash of injuries to national team players Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Shawki, Wa'el Gomaa and Angolan midfielder Gilberto. Against Mehalla, Ahli were forced to experiment with six rookies; against Zamalek, they employed three. Zamalek too, had injuries worries to defenders Medhat Abdel-Hadi and Wa'el El-Qabani and midfielder Alaa Abdel-Ghani but the club's consolation lied in the return of Tamer Abdel-Hamid, the playmaking midfielder, after a long absence due to injury. Both coaches expressed their satisfaction with their teams' performance, claiming it was too early to predict who will be the title winner. Mohamed Abu Treika, Ahli's midfield brain, was named the match's best player. "I am very happy with the award and I hope that all our matches are played in such a friendly atmosphere." Stalwart defender Ibrahim Said was given an award for best behaviour, a surprising tribute, given the player's troubled and controversial history on and off the field. "The friendly atmosphere that filled the stadium obliges all players to play within the spirit of sportsmanship and to abide by the rules," Said said.
