Ahli could not have hoped for a better chance to register a morale-boosting win under interim coach Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' as they will face struggling and bottom side Ittihad on Friday. The defending champions are still reeling after the resignation of coach Hossam Al-Badri and their chances of wrapping up a seventh consecutive league title are threatened by the consistent form of arch rivals and leaders Zamalek. Zizo's debut saw Ahli share honors with Smouha in a disappointing 1-1 draw at Alexandria Stadium, where Ittihad will host the Red Devils. Ittihad, who are also guided by a new manager having dismissed Brazilian Carlos Cabral and appointed Mohamed Amer as his successor, have yet to bag any home win after making a disastrous start to their campaign. They will face a routine tough task against Ahli, the club they defeated only once in the last 25 years. The game was originally scheduled to take place in September but was postponed due to Ahli's African Champions League commitment. "The match is crucial for both sides," Ahli great Zizo, who is due to leave his post following the anticipated Cairo derby against Zamalek on December 31, said.
Zizo seeks first win "Ittihad are in an unenviable position. They are in a desperate need for a win, especially that the game will be held at their stadium. "We are also seeking a win that would help us regain confidence and would give our supporters something to cheer about." The match will be refereed by German Knut kircher upon the request of Ittihad, who joined a growing list of Premier League clubs demanding that foreign officials take charge of their games against Ahli. Ahli will be boosted by the return of influential trio Sayed Moawad, Sherif Abdul-Fadil and Shehab Ahmed – who all missed the previous match. Moawad should regain his place on the left flank in Ahli's 3-5-2 formation after natural attacking midfielder Afrotto unconvincingly played that role against Smouha. Promising midfielder Shehab is also expected to make the starting XI after midfield partners Hossam Ghaly and Moataz Eno were outpaced by their Smouha counterparts. Abdul-Fadil is likely to partner Wael Gomaa in the heart of Ahli's defense after Ahmed Al-Sayed was dropped.
