Zamalek right-back Ahmed Ghanem lost his regular spot recently but he is eager to play against Ahli to make up for a number of errors in the Cairo derby. Ghanem was dropped by Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan after a string of lackluster performances, with youngster Omar Gaber taking his place on the right. Gaber was rested for Zamalek's 6-0 drubbing of third-tier Bani Obeid in Friday's Egyptian Cup tie to allow Ghanem to feature. The 24-year-old faced little opposition as he launched many raids on the right and whipped in several pinpoint crosses. He is aiming to grasp the chance with both hands to take part in the anticipated Cairo derby against Zamalek's arch rivals Ahli, which will be held on December 31. "Competition is useful for the team but I will do my best to play on a regular basis. I want to play against Ahli," he told FilGoal.com on Saturday. "In the past two games against Ahli the fans held me responsible for all the goals Zamalek conceded. I want to atone for that." Ahli's Mohamed Barakat outpaced Ghanem several times to help his side to a last-gasp 3-3 draw against Zamalek in an Egyptian Premier League game last April. Ghanem was also criticized for leaving gaps behind him as Ahli claimed an easy 3-1 victory over Zamalek in a cup game the following month.
