The Cairo derby between Ahli and Zamalek will be held before the January transfer window, Egyptian FA president Samir Zaher said on Saturday. The eagerly-anticipated clash between Egyptian Premier League leaders Zamalek and runners-up Ahli was initially scheduled for November 26 but was postponed because it will clash with the parliamentary elections. Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan said it would be 'unfair' if the match was played in January when both teams reinforce their squads. Ahli striker Emad Meteb, who is the Cairo derby joint top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions, will be eligible to play when the transfer window re-opens following his sudden return to the Egyptian champions after he prematurely terminated his Standard Liege deal. Zaher allayed Hassan's concerns by saying that both teams will meet without the additions they are expected to make in January. "The derby is postponed indefinitely but it will be played before January," he told FilGoal.com. Zamalek have failed to beat arch rivals Ahli since 2007 when they claimed a 2-0 victory over a second-string side. Hassan took over at the White Knights in November last year but was also unable to end the derby jinx as Zamalek drew twice and lost once in three meetings against Ahli last season. Zamalek are topping the table after a fine start to the new campaign with a three-point advantage over Ahli, who still have two games in hand.
