Ahly’s central defender Wael Gomaa has been declared fit to play against arch-rivals Zamalek in the African Champions League on 22 July.
The 36-year-old, who has been a mainstay of Ahly’s squad since joining back in 2001, missed the team’s 2-1 victory over TP Mazembe in their opening Group B game due to a calf injury.
He came through a friendly game against Ittihad of Alexandria unscathed, handing Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry a timely boost as the Red Devils aim to extend their 12-match unbeaten streak in Cairo derbies.
“We made sure Gomaa is fine, and that is one of the great advantages of that friendly game,” El-Badry told the club’s official website.
Cairo foes Ahly and Zamalek, who conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 3-2 away to Ghana’s Chelsea in their first group-stage game, will meet in Cairo behind closed doors due to lingering security concerns.
The last time they met in Africa’s premier club competition was in 2008 when they drew 2-2 in the group stage. Ahly went on to win a record-breaking sixth title, one ahead of Zamalek.
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