The Egyptian derby between Ahli and Zamalek kicks off on Saturday, reports Inas Mazhar The clash will be the 96th in the history of the two powerhouses of Egyptian football. The all-Egyptian final will include an all-Portuguese coaching duel. Manuel Jose will be at the helm for Ahli whereas his countryman, newcomer Manuel Kagouda is managing Zamalek. It is the second time Ahli and Zamalek meet under the leadership of two Portuguese coaches. Tony Olivera and Vingada were the head coaches of Ahli and Zamalek respectively three years ago. The match was originally scheduled in the sixth week of the national league in November but because of the People's Assembly elections and Ahli engagements at the FIFA World Clubs Championship in Japan, the derby was re- scheduled for 14 February. The new date meant the two teams would play just four days after the final of the African Nations Cup. Because at least half of Egypt's squad were from Ahli, a rest period was essential. Thus, the derby was re-scheduled for this coming Saturday. "There were many reasons that forced the Egyptian Football Association to postpone the match three times," said Medhat Shalabi, the EFA public relations manager and official spokesman. "Officials were tired after the Nations Cup as were the players. Nobody wanted to watch Ahli and Zamalek play only four days after the ACN. Officials were also afraid of a low spectator turn-out," Shalabi said. Each team was scheduled to play another league match on Tuesday before the derby. Ahli was to meet Mehalla while Zamalek was scheduled to take on the Arab Contractors. In their last encounter, Ahli beat Zamalek twice in the semi-final of the African Champions League. Ahli have injuries to national team players Mohamed Barakat, Mohamed Shawki, Wa'el Gomaa, Angolan Gilberto and Wa'el Riyad. They missed the African Super Cup but team doctors say they could be ready for the derby. Assistant Ahli coach Hossam El-Badri says Ahli will be playing for victory. "We'll beat Zamalek even with the substitutes," El-Badri told reporters before the game. Zamalek also have their share of injuries, to Medhat Abdel-Hadi, Wa'el El-Qabbani and Alaa Abdel-Ghani. The club's consolation lies in the return of Tamer Abdel-Hamid the playmaking midfielder. Zamalek will also be without Ghanaian player Junior who is preparing with his team for the World Cup. Tickets for the game went on sale days before the match after a dispute between Ahli and Cairo Stadium officials was resolved. The dispute arose during last week's African Super Cup when Cairo Stadium insisted on printing bar-coded tickets for the electronic gates. But it took too long for the stadium officials to submit the tickets to Ahli which received them just one day ahead of the match. Ahli complained because the delay caused the club to lose money as the tickets were not all sold. Only 40,000 spectators attended the Super Cup game, leaving more than 30,000 seats empty. This time, Ahli, as hosts and organisers of the derby, insisted that tickets be printed at a police publishing house known for their speed in delivering the tickets which would guarantee a full house in Cairo Stadium. The club had threatened to transfer the game to the Military Stadium if Cairo Stadium officials had turned them down. The head of the Supreme Council for Sports Hassan Sakr intervened and Cairo Stadium officials agreed and Ahli club officials confirmed playing the derby in Cairo Stadium. They will pay the LE50,000 rent to the stadium in addition to LE100,000 insurance. Ahli are currently in first place in the league with 33 points from 11 games. Zamalek are in second with 32 points but with 14 games played.
