The Egyptian Premier League title race is heated to the max, with both Ahli and Ismaili having one hand on the silverware in the competition's penultimate round. Both teams are tied on 57 points, but defending champions Ahli are at the top of the table on goal difference. Monday's games could all but determine the 2008-2009 champions, and there's definitely no room for mistakes in the two-horse race. Ahli will have a stern challenge at Harras Hodoud, who are keen to win the game and cement their place in third spot. To the same extent, Ismaili's mission will be no picnic as they will take on relegation-threatened Telecom Egypt, who will give it their all to claim all three points and ease their demotion worries. A trip for any of the two contenders will be in the other's best interest, but if both teams remain level on points till the end of the term, they will meet in a league decider. Regulars Return Ahli, who are eying a fifth successive domestic title, were boosted by the return of some key players. Although initial diagnosis had ruled him out for the rest of the season, Ahli announced that Wael Gomaa has made the squad for the Hodoud trip. The international center-half has been sorely missed since suffering a hamstring strain in the 2-2 draw with ENPPI in late April.
Ismaili ready for Telecom Skipper Shadi Mohamed has also recuperated from a similar injury, and will most probably be included in the starting eleven. Mercurial midfielder Mohamed Barakat was also named in the 18-man list after overcoming an ankle injury sustained last match. Moreover, the trio of Sayed Moawad, Ahmed Fathi and Moataz Eno were picked after serving automatic suspension against Tersana. What could be morale-damaging for Ahli is the news that Manuel Jose will be leaving the club by the end of the season. The Portuguese boss, who led Ahli to many trophies in the last five years, revealed that he's going to take charge of Angola in the summer, and has already agreed with the club's board to terminate his contract. Well-prepared On the other hand, Ismaili seem to be well-prepared for their tough encounter against Telecom at Military Academy Stadium. "All players are ready for the game," assistant coach Ihab Galal told FilGoal.com. "This match is of the utmost importance; only victory will be a satisfying result for us regardless of Ahli's progress." Ahmed Khairi and Mohamed Fadl will be the only absentees for the coastal side. Competent midfielder Khairi pulled out of the squad through suspension, while Fadl has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury.
