Ahli defender Ahmed Al-Sayed insists that the upcoming Egyptian Cup final clash with Zamalek cannot be compared to the latest league encounter between the two bitter rivals. Zamalek beat Ahli 2-0 for the first time in three years in the league game in May, but the contest was of little importance as Ahli have been already crowned champions at that time. "No comparison can be made between the next cup final and our latest league defeat by Zamalek, the last game cannot be taken into consideration because we had our own excuses," Al-Sayed told FilGoal.com exclusively. The Egyptian champions rested a host of important players after they secured the league title, and Ahli manager Manuel Jose was also on vacation in Portugal. "We had nine key players missing, our coach was not there and his absence was crucial to the team, we also lacked motivation because the league was finished," Al-Sayed added. The 27-year-old stopper is hoping his side could maintain their 100% title record locally and continentally with an additional cup trophy, an achievement which represents a great motive to the Red Devils. Ahli's list of honors for the last two years includes two Egyptian league and Super Cup titles, two African Champions League and Super Cup titles and one Egyptian Cup trophy. "Our motive to win the next cup final is enormous, we won everything within the past couple of years and we could achieve that again if we beat Zamalek," the Ahli defender concluded.
