Ahly against Ismaily in the Egyptian Premier League
After losing 2-1 at home to Ivory Coast side ASEC Mimosas in the CAF Champions League last week, Ahly have no option but winning when they face Ittihad of Alexandria in the 33rd matchday of the Egyptian Premier League Sunday, to heal the team's wounds.
The game is not crucial for Ahly, who already secured the league title two games before the season's end, but Dutch coach Martin Jol has to return his squad to a winning path after suffering three defeats in the last four games.
Ahly secured the Egyptian Premier League title with 74 points, seven ahead of rivals and second placed Zamalek.
The Cairo giants will continue without the services of key players Ramadan Sobhi, Abdallah El-Saied and Malick Evouna due to injury.
The trio's absence affected team performance during the previous games, so in today's game against Ittihad of Alexandria, which should be an easy win, coach Jol is expected to deploy alternative tactics.
Ahly assistant coach Mohamed Abdel-Azim believes that the Ittihad game is good preparation for the coming crucial game against Zamalek in the final matchday of the league.
"We have to finish the league with a good performance and the Ittihad game will be good preparation for the Zamalek game and CAF Champions League games," the Ahly assistant coach said.
Zamalek are set to face Smouha in the 33rd matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Monday.
Egyptian Premier League winners last season, Zamalek have returned this season to second place in the team table with 67 points, while Smouha are competing for fourth position.
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