Ahly lose Fathi and Gomaa in Zamalek clash

Mahmoud Elassal, Monday 10 Sep 2012

Coach Hossam El-Badry excluded Wael Gomaa and Ahmed Fathi from Sunday's derby against Zamalek in Cairo to ensure their fitness in more critical matches to come

Ahmed Fathi
Ahly's defender Ahmed Fathi (Photo: Bassam Al-Zoghby)

Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry reveals that he will sideline defender Wael Gomaa and midfielder Ahmed Fathi in the coming showdown against Zamalek in the CAF Champions League on Sunday because he fears the players could pick up a second yellow card, which would exclude them from the championship's semis.

"Fathi and Goma are out of the Ahly squad for the Zamalek game on Sunday to avoid a second yellow card," read a statement on Ahly's official website.

"Ahly have already qualified for the semifinals of the CAF Champions League, so we need the players' services in the coming round," the statement added.

Fathi and Gomaa are in danger of falling into a two-match ban, since they both already have yellow cards.

The six-time African champions are currently second in Group B with ten points, with one goal difference with the group leaders TP Mazembe, while Ghanaian side Chelsea are third with six points and Zamalek are bottom with one point.

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