Ahli (Egypt) vs. Zamalek (Egypt) Kickoff: 17.00 CLT CAF Champions League Group B Venue: Egyptian Army Stadium, Alexandria MATCH FACTS -For the first time in the history of Africa's fiercest local derby, Cairo's top duo meet in Alexandria. -The last time Zamalek tasted victory against Ahli was in a 2-0 league win in 2007. -None of the 14 players who represented the Whites on that day is still with the club. -In five previous Champions League encounters, Ahli came out victorious on four occasions as one game ended in a draw. -Ahli veteran Mohamed Barakat has never been on the losing side in 18 straight games against Zamalek so far. -Ahli striker Emad Meteb is one goal away from equaling teammate Mohamed Abou-Treika's record as the all-time top-scorer against Zamalek with 11 goals. QUOTES
The legendary No.22 will be absent Ahli assistant coach Mohamed Youssef “Usually these encounters are exciting and unpredictable, and we hope both teams will produce a game up to expectations, especially that they will play without pressure after Ahli qualified and Zamalek bowed out of the competition. “Zamalek are a great team and everyone knows that. Failing to qualify this year doesn't mean we're going to underrate them. We'll give our best looking for victory." Zamalek coach Jorvan Vieira “I think that Ahli are more prepared than us physically and technically. Their morale is also high after winning the Super Cup and qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals. “But despite these conditions, we are looking for a win to get the players out of their poor morale and we know this game is always special for our fans." TEAM NEWS After securing their semi-final spot, Ahli have rested a number of key players with one booking as Ahmed Fathi, Wael Gomaa and Hossam Ashour will sit out the encounter. The influential Abou-Treika serves a two-month club ban while flamboyant winger Walid Soliman is suspended. Defender Mohamed Naguib remains injured but Brazilian striker Fabio Junior is poised for his first derby game. Zamalek, on the other hand, will miss midfielder Nour Al-Sayed once again through injury while unsettled Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi has been omitted as he remains absent from training.
