Zamalek host rivals Al Ahly in the 133rd meeting between the two sides in the Egyptian Premier League since the 1948-1949 season, in a match bringing together two teams level on points and surrounded by administrative and technical crises despite their positive starts to the competition. Both teams enter the match behind leaders Pyramids, amid fan dissatisfaction with the level of performance on both sides.
Zamalek and Al Ahly level on points behind Pyramids
Zamalek and Al Ahly each have 13 points after recording four wins and one draw, putting them second and third respectively, two points behind Pyramids, who have a perfect record. Zamalek lead their rivals on goal difference, having scored eight goals and conceded one, compared with Al Ahly's nine goals scored and three conceded.
Zamalek go into the match amid continuing administrative crises that led to the suspension of the club's registration activity this season for disciplinary reasons, as well as the departure of several key players, including Brazilian Juan Pérez and defender Hossam Abdel Meguid. Despite this, the team have continued to achieve good results under manager Moataz Gamal, who led them to the league title last season.
Gamal had announced his departure at the end of the season, but Zamalek's failure to secure a foreign manager brought him back to lead the coaching staff. Despite the positive results continuing after his return, a large section of the club's supporters remain dissatisfied with the team's performances.
Zamalek's manager is relying on goalkeeper El Mahdy Soliman's impressive form; he has conceded only one goal, from a penalty, in five matches, as well as the contributions of Palestinian Adi Dabagh and striker Hossam Ashraf. The team will be without Mohamed El Sayed and Amr Nasser for the derby because of injury.
Gamal opted to rest the entire first team before facing Al Ahly and fielded the youth team against ZED in the League Cup on Wednesday, as Zamalek suffered a 3-0 defeat. The move forms part of the team's preparations for the derby amid absences and the pressure associated with the battle for top spot in the league.
Zamalek's technical and administrative crises and key absences
Al Ahly's situation does not appear any more stable. The club are still affected by last season's results, which they finished in third place, leading to their absence from the African Champions League this season for the first time in more than two decades.
Moroccan manager Hussein Ammouta began his tenure in charge with good results, but the team's performances have not satisfied its supporters. Al Ahly fans' anger intensified after the draw with Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the fourth round, while the club's management has repeatedly affirmed its support for Ammouta and confidence in his ability to lead the team technically.
The manager hopes his compatriot Achraf Bencharki will maintain his impressive form in attack, while playmaker Imam Ashour regains his fitness after a lengthy absence. Moroccan striker Soufiane Benjedida is expected to start up front. Al Ahly will be without centre-backs Yasser Ibrahim and Amr El Gazzar because of injury, while Moroccan defender Achraf Dari could feature in the back line.
Dari made his first appearance of the season in Al Ahly's victory over Asyut Petroleum in the League Cup. Recent meetings favour Al Ahly, who won home and away in the league last season by scores of 2-1 and 3-0, and also won the Egyptian Super Cup match 2-0.
Nevertheless, Al Ahly finished the league in third place, while Zamalek won the title for the 15th time in their history. Al Ahly have the historical advantage in direct league meetings, with 52 wins to Zamalek's 29, while 51 matches ended in draws. Al Ahly have scored 163 goals in those meetings, compared with 113 for Zamalek.
Al Ahly's historical advantage, derby referee and tickets
The match will be officiated by Slovenian referee Rade Obrenović after Al Ahly covered the cost of bringing in a foreign refereeing team. Tickets for the match sold out completely as soon as they went on sale. The sixth round also features leaders Pyramids against fourth-placed Ceramica Cleopatra on Monday at Cairo's Air Defence Stadium.
