Zamalek and Wadi Degla will be competing for the Egypt Cup title next Saturday after eliminating Talae El-Gaish and Ismaily respectively Sunday.
In the Red Sea resort of El-Gouna , Ahmed Gaafar gave Zamalek the lead over military-owned club El-Gaish after two minutes - the fastest goal in this season's tournament - before Hazem Emam doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime.
El-Gaish pulled one back early in the second half, thanks to a goal from Ayman Hanafy but Zamalek held firm to reach their first Egypt Cup final since 2008 when they defeated ENPPI. The ailing Cairo side have not won any trophy since then.
In Luxor, Upper Egypt, coastal club Ismaily failed to maintain their bid for a third Egypt Cup triumph after losing to unfancied Wadi Degla in penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Degla is coached by former Egypt Olympic team manager Hani Ramzy.
The tournament that is being held behind closed doors is the first football activity revived in Egypt since the army ousted president Mohamed Morsi 3 July amid mass protests.
The 21-time champions; Zamalek are favourites for the trophy as their arch-rivals Ahly, the record-holders of 33 Cups, had skipped it due to a dispute with the Egyptian Football Association over sponsorship issues.
Haras El-Hodoud clinched it twice in 2009 and 2010 and ENPPI won the last tournament in 2011/2012.
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