Zamalek's defender Ali Gabr (top) jumps over a tackle by Ahly's midfielder Moemen Zakareya (bottom) during the Egyptian Super Cup football match between Ahly and Zamalek on February 10 (AFP)
Two Egyptian internationals are rested following the African Cup of Nations exertions but buoyant Zamalek are determined to build on their Egyptian Super Cup triumph when they resume league action on Wednesday.
A lengthy break of the premier domestic competition comes to an end after Egypt lost 2-1 to Cameroon in the Nations Cup final on 5 February, with two Zamalek players producing some superb displays in Gabon.
Central defender Ali Gabr and midfield workhorse Tarek Hamed were widely praised in the tournament, having played a pivotal role in helping record seven-time winners Egypt reach the final for the first time in seven years.
They were also present as Zamalek defeated arch-rivals Ahly on penalties following a 0-0 draw to win the Egyptian Super Cup in Abu Dhabi last week, with the victory giving them a timely boost as they chase the league title.
They are 11 points behind leaders Ahly, albeit with two games in hand, and cannot afford to drop any points when they meet El-Entag El-Harby, who lie 13th in the 18-team league table.
Hamed and Gabr were left out of Zamalek's squad as coach Mohamed Helmi preferred to rest them, but those who are available are unlikely to face a stern test against El-Entag.
Winger Mahmoud Shikabala remains out of favour despite resolving his differences with the club but newly-arrived striker Hossam Salama, nicknamed Paolo, could make his Zamalek debut due to the suspension of main frontman Bassem Morsi.
Paolo, who joined Zamalek from Alexandria-based club Smouha in the January transfer window, finished as the league's top scorer in the past two seasons.
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