Photo courtesy of Zamalek SC
Zamalek have yet to string together three straight wins in their 13 league matches so far.
After drawing 1-1 with NBE Club, they beat Talae El-Geish 3-1 before claiming a 2-0 victory over Petrojet, a match that marked the league debut of newly appointed coach Moatamed Gamal.
The 52-year-old followed that up by guiding Zamalek to a 2-1 win over Masry in the Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday, leaving them close to reaching the quarter-finals of the continental competition.
Gamal is keen to maintain the team’s winning rythm as Zamalek look to find consistency amid difficult circumstances.
The squad has been hit by numerous absences, forcing the coach to rely on youth players such as fullbacks Ahmed Khodary, Mohamed Ibrahim and Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, along with midfielder Mohamed El-Sayed, in recent matches.
The White Knights, who continue to struggle with a persistent financial crisis, lost another midfielder this week after Nabil “Dunga” Emad completed a move to Saudi side Al-Najma on Monday.
Playmaker Nasser Maher left last month to join Pyramids FC.
Veteran midfielder Abdallah El-Said is expected to return after recovering from a muscle injury.
Zamalek are fourth in the standings with 25 points, seven behind leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who have played two more matches.
The win would help Zamalek advance to the third place at the expense of Ahly after the draw against NBE Club on Tuesday.
Kahrabaa Ismailia, meanwhile, will be desperate for a positive result as they attempt to improve their position.
Making their first appearance in the top flight, the newly promoted side sit second from bottom with 11 points from 15 games and can ill afford to drop further points.
They strengthened their squad during the winter transfer window with the signing of Cameroonian fullback Jonathan Ngwem and will be hoping for an improved performance against one of Egypt’s traditional heavyweights.
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