Zamalek were held to a goalless draw by Ismaily in their previous league game (Photo: Ahram)
Zamalek will be looking to edge a step closer to the Egyptian Premier League when they host Ismaily at Cairo's PetroSport Stadium Monday in a rescheduled game, hoping to recover from a surprise and controversial 2-1 defeat by Maqassa in their previous match on Thursday.
Six points ahead of title-holders Ahly and with a game in hand, Zamalek are still leading the table with 77 points despite slumping to their second loss of the season at the hands of Maqassa.
Should Ahly win their remaining matches, Zamalek will only need to secure seven points from their last five games to gain an unassailable lead over their bitter rivals.
"The two defeats Zamalek experienced this season – against Maqassa and ENPPI- were unfair and referees mistakes decided them. Although we will be solid in the remaining games to earn the title," Zamalek football director Ismail Youssef told the club's official website.
Bidding for their first league since 2004, the Cairo giants are supposed to play already-relegated Nasr before they come face-to-face with Ahly in the Cairo derby on 21 July. Then there will also be another clash against Talae El-Giesh before they end the season with the Wadi Degla game.
Only winning is demanded from Jesualdo Ferreira’s men, as the club's board warned that any possible "irresponsibility" would lead to immediate punishment.
"I want to reassure the team's supporters that the players won't give up on their target of winning the title… The Ismaily game will be a chance for the players to forget the Maqassa loss and to march on in the Egyptian Premier League title," Ismail Youssef added.
Ferreira will have to do without the team's star Omar Gaber who sustained an injury during the Maqassa defeat while striker Bassem Morsi will return after serving his suspension.
Ismaily are currently fifth with 55 points.
Second-placed Ahly are playing tough opponents Masry of Port Said at the same time on Monday. After the Cairo derby, only two games remain for them- against Smouha and ENPPI.
After this domestic round, the two Cairo sides will fly this weekend for away games in the African Confederation Cup, with Zamalek playing South African Orlando Pirates Saturday, one day before Ahly meet Stade Malien in Mali.
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