Ahli's superiority over Zamalek in the past few years is an obvious fact, but Reiner Hollmann believes the White Castle's chances to emerge winners from Sunday's game are as equal as those of their arch-rivals. Predicting the outcome of the Cairo derby was never easy in the 1990s for instance, but things have greatly changed in the new century. Zamalek have defeated Ahli just once in their last 13 contests. Even during that occasion, the Red Devils were playing with a second-string team. These statistics indicate that eyebrows may be raised if Zamalek beat Ahli in the Champions League group stage opener. Zamalek coach Hollmann doesn't agree. "Zamalek have a big name, the same as Ahli, the players are on the same level as Ahli," he told MTN website. "This game ahead of us is 50-50. If we start well, we'll have confidence. It's an open game." Nevertheless, realistically speaking, Hollmann admitted that a draw would be a good result for Zamalek. "I hope my players will be clever. If we draw on Sunday, it's a good result for us, although, of course, we will be going for the win." Tough Start Hollmann's first task will be leading Zamalek in such a vital encounter after replacing Dutch coach Ruud Krol, who resigned in May for family reasons.
The 58-year-old boss had very limited time to prepare his side for the Ahli clash. He is also yet to discern the abilities of his players. "My problem is I've only been with the team for three weeks and the players are all new to me." "From the start we did not have a complete squad, Hani Said has just joined us from Ismaili in the last three days and there are six or seven new players who are also not registered for the Champions League. "But the three weeks in camp have been good for us and the players are fit. It's a very special game against a very strong team on Sunday." Early Goal Hollmann highlighted the importance of taking the initiative in the anticipated game. "If you concede an early goal, players tend to go down. Players here need to have confidence, It's very important for them." Hollmann has a point, definitely. Prior to the 2007 Egyptian Cup final, the team which scored first did not lose. That was the case for many years. But Zamalek were the club who suffered most from such record, especially in the last few years. Whenever they conceded an early goal, Zamalek players naively pushed forward seeking the equalizer, leaving huge gaps at the back to allow Ahli players expose them on many occasions. "The players are under a lot of pressure from fans," Hollmann, who coached Ahli in the mid 1990s, admitted.
