The past two editions of the Egyptian league have been more boring than a long-running Soap Opera, given Ahli's uncontested domination of the competition. However, one remains hopeful things will change this season since the Egyptian champions suffered a bumpy pre-season campaign. This season will be the first to feature sixteen teams in the premier league after the system was amended by the current football association officials. Ahli's Bid for a Third Consecutive Title The Egyptian champions are looking to duplicate the success they enjoyed in the 2005-2006 season that saw them bag five trophies (Egyptian league and cup, African Champions League, and the African and Egyptian Super Cups). On the brighter side, Ahli have retained the Egyptian Super Cup title after beating Enppi 1-0 in July and the stability the club enjoys remains the envy of other local clubs. On the other hand, Ahli's various engagements have left the team depleted and injury-plagued. Eight of Ahli's starters, including star players Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat and Emad Al-Nahhas, are nursing long term injuries, leaving coach Manuel Jose no option but to field his reserve team. Yet, Jose has nothing to worry about, for the exception of dazzling performances perhaps, since Ahli's reserves remain stronger than most of the first-tier players in other Egyptian teams and can get the job done. New players were also brought in to help the team maintain their status at the summit of local and continental competitions. Ahli signed Tarek Al-Saied and Mohamed Sedik from rivals Zamalek and Ahmed Sedik from Suez Cement, in addition to Eastern Tobacco club duo Rami Rabie and Tarek Saad. Former Ahli striker Ahmed Belal is also set for a return to the Red Devils after a short spell in Turkey.
Portuguese coaches Cajuda (L) of Zamalek and Jose (R) of Ahli Teams Stock Up to Dethrone Ahli Just like England are default favorites in every competition they compete in, despite a single World Cup trophy in their prize cabinet, Zamalek remain Ahli's major contenders for the league title. Despite two years of trophy drought and a long period of instability in terms of administration, the experience of Zamalek players and the support of their huge fan base can do wonders for the Cairo powerhouse. Zamalek have secured the signatures of Masri defender Amr Al-Safti and ENPPI winger Osama Hassan and are set to complete the move of Amr Zaki from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. Meanwhile, Ismaili seem ready to return to the spotlight after bringing in an arsenal of players to reinforce their squad for the new season. Hosni Abd-Rabou returned to the ranks of the Dervishes after a short spell with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, thanks to the tireless efforts of club president Yehia Al-Koumi, who also managed to extend the contract of versatile winger Ahmed Fathi. New acquisitions like Mohamed Fadl and Hani Saied (both from Masri) and Mohamed Abdul-Wahed (from Zamalek) along with the old guard of Mohamed Suleiman "Hommos", Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Greisha and Sayed Moawad could help Ismaili return to their winning ways under new Dutch coach Mark Wotte. ENPPI, last season's Arab Champions League finalists, are also among the frontrunners for the league title, thanks to their unlimited resources and productive policies. The Petroleum Ministry funded club has also made several acquisitions during the off-season and even brought in a formidable coaching staff to replace the seasoned Taha Basri who led the team to the Egyptian top-flight and guided them to their first ever title, the 2005 Egyptian Cup. German Rainer Zobel, who previously managed Ahli, was installed as head coach and former Egypt international Hani Ramzi was brought in to assists him. As for new players, ENPPI signed an ou
