Ahli's new coach officially gets going, reports Ahmed Morsy Title holders Ahli today play their first official game under the management of their new coach Abdel-Aziz Abdel-Shafi after the resignation last week of Hossam El-Badri. Ahli are to play newly-promoted Smouha in Alexandria. In their first friendly under Abdel-Shafi, more famously known as Zizo from his playing days, Ahli beat second division Al-Fayoum 2-1 on Saturday. Ahli had a makeover, reverting to their traditional 3-5-2 formation instead of 4- 4-2 which was favoured by El-Badri. Defender Mohamed Samir played as a sweeper behind the two fixed central defenders Wa'el Gomaa and Sherif Abdel-Fadil. The former Ismaili striker Mohamed Fadl, who was injured during Ahli's 1-0 loss to Tunisia's Esperance that eliminated them from the CAF African Champions League in the semi-final, handed Ahli a major boost after recovering from a knee injury. Fadl contributed for about 20 minutes against Al-Fayoum and is expected to play against Smouha. Abdel-Shafi announced after the game that his players only need time to get used to the new/old formation. Ahli, who eye a seventh consecutive league title, lie fifth in the table with 18 points from nine games, six behind leaders and arch-rivals Zamalek who have played two matches more. On Ahli's official website, Zizo said he was aware of the difficult task ahead, stressing that the league champions are in the middle of a crucial stage. "It is a hard task, but optimistically the great support of such a big club can help us get past this decisive period," Zizo said. He also said every person related to what Africa chose as the Club of the Century should play his role in assisting the squad. "Everyone involved with the club, including officials, players, staff and fans should contribute to help the team." Despite the fact that Zizo is not one of the more successful coaches in the Egyptian national league, his status as a club legend as a player and the respect he commands among the players and supporters might be a major advantage during the short-term spell. His contract is due to expire after one month, on 31 December the day Ahli and Zamalek face off in the traditional derby. Also nicknamed 'The Fox', Zizo claimed seven league and two Egyptian Cup titles with Ahli as a player, shining under the management of Hungarian coach Nandor Hidegkuti. His exceptional talent emerged in no time, playing for the national team at only 17. Zizo was forced to end his international career at age 22 -- when most players are just beginning -- owing to frequent injuries. Zizo was appointed football director of Ahli immediately after his forced retirement in 1982, accompanying veteran coach Mahmoud El-Gohari. Between them, the couple won Ahli's first-ever CAF Champions League title. Afterwards, Zizo was appointed Ahli youth team coach. Ironically, he selected for the team the then youngster twins Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, the current bosses of Zamalek. Zizo is also the only Egyptian coach to have won a trophy in the Saudi league. He was head coach of Saudi Arabia's Ahli team during the late 80s and claimed the league title. In the early 90s, he became coach of their arch-rivals Ittihad of Jeddah, again collecting the same title. He guided the Beirut-based club Nejmeh to back-to-back domestic league titles in 2004 and 2005. Zizo also claimed the Lebanese Elite Cup and Super Cup during his helm. In 2002, he led the Egyptian league minnows Baladyet Mehalla to their first-ever Egyptian Cup final before losing 1-0 to Zamalek. He also worked with Ittihad, Misri, the Arab Contractors and Suez Cement. In the 13th week of the league, Zamalek are scheduled to host Ittihad today in Cairo Stadium. Tomorrow, Ismaili play Wadi Degla while Enppi host Military Production and Petrojet meet Haras Al-Hedoud. The Arab Contractors lock horns with Misri and Police Union play Gouna.
