Zamalek needs only godspeed to beat rivals Ahly and win the Egyptian Super Cup when the two teams meet Friday, the Whites coach Mohamed Helmi said Tuesday.

The Super Cup, which was supposed to be the season's curtain raiser but was postponed to February, will take place in the UAE for the second time.

"Zamalek await winning the Super Cup for a long time. We need godspeed against Ahly as this is the only thing we miss against them," Helmi told Abu Dhabi TV channel.

Zamalek's international trio Tarek Hamed, Ibrahim Salah and Ali Gabr have joined the club's current training camp in the UAE after ending their participation in the African Cup of Nations. Egypt lost in Sunday's final against Cameroon.

"Sure, our international players are influential for us. They were rested Tuesday and we will discuss Wednesday their availability for trainings as they still need to sleep and rest," Helmi explained.

Zamalek's skipper and star winger Mahmoud Shikabala has been left out of the squad that will play the derby amid a reported bust-up with the coach. But new signing striker Hossam 'Paolo' Salama could make the difference against the Reds.

"Shikabala is a very important player but it was difficult to include him into the squad as he is out of action for almost a month due to injury. He remains an important player but his return should be in the right way," said coach Helmi.

"Paolo is a strong scorer who gets the most use of opportunities to hit the net. He adapted quickly to the team and could bring good things against Ahly," he added.

In October 2015, Ahly defeated Zamalek 3-2 to win a record-extending ninth Super Cup title. Zamalek have won the trophy only twice, the last time in 2002.

Ahly are leading this season's league table with 45 points, 11 ahead of third-placed Zamalek that still has two matches ahead.

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