Newly-appointed Zamalek boss Jaime Pacheco will be hoping to mark his first official match in charge by getting his side back to winning ways when they meet Smouha in the Egyptian league on Saturday.

The Portuguese manager, who succeeded Hossam Hassan at the helm this month, made his first appearance on the Zamalek bench in last week's goalless draw against Wadi Degla.

Zamalek, however, were led by assistant manager Mohamed Salah instead, as Pacheco is set to assume full responsibilities starting the match against last season's league runners-up Smouha.

Despite just being unveiled as new Zamalek boss less than a fortnight ago, Pacheco is now burdened to end a three-match winless streak which saw the title contenders fail to score a single goal.

The 58-year-old tactician was quick to make changes for the reeling Cairo giants, having made an unexpected decision by omitting regular striker Abdoulaye Cisse from the squad.

Burkinabe forward Cisse, once a prolific frontman during his first spell at Zamalek two years ago, failed to deliver the goods in three successive games – all ending 0-0.

Pacheco also opted to recall midfield duo Ahmed Tawfik and Omar Gaber despite falling out of favor in recent games.

Tawfik, a regular last season under former boss Mido, did not feature in four league games – including three in which he failed to make the squad.

Gaber, on the other hand, looks to have fallen out with the club's board after club chairman Mortada Mansour announced that the 22-year-old will not be offered a new contract.

But Pacheco will have to do without central defender Ahmed Dwidar due to a muscle problem, which would also sideline him against Ittihad next Thursday.

Lively right-back Hazem Emam, meanwhile, have been declared fit to take part against Egypt Cup finalists Smouha after hobbling off the pitch against Degla.

Smouha looking to recover

Smouha will also be looking to bounce back from two league defeats, including a 1-0 home loss to unfancied side Dakhleya.

The Alexandrians, who made an auspicious start to their campaign after beating newly-promoted side Alaab Damanhour 5-1, have only managed two wins from five league games.

Having made a stunning impact last season, which saw them book an unlikely Champions League spot, Smouha sacked manager Hamada Sedky after a 3-2 defeat by Talae El-Geish this month.

They recruited Denis Lavagne instead, but the French boss failed to mark his Smouha debut against Dakhleya.

He will now be hoping to get something from the game against Zamalek, who edged out his side 1-0 to snatch the Egypt Cup last season.       

Zamalek, who have a game in hand, are currently ninth of the league standings with six points, one less than Smouha who are eighth.

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