Ahly's new recruit Peter Ebimobowei is hoping he could play a part in the anticipated Cairo derby against Zamalek later this month despite having just arrived at the Red Devils.

The promising Nigerian striker, signed by Ahly to bolster a hardly productive frontline, said he is aware of the importance of the 29 January clash, which pits the bitter foes against each other for the second time this season after Ahly clinched the Egyptian Super Cup on penalties following a 0-0 draw.

"I know that Ahly will play the derby at the end of this month. I'm hoping to participate in this match but I'm aware this depends on the decision of the coach," Ebimobowei said in an interview with Egyptian football website FilGoal.

"I know the fans are expecting a lot from me during this match."

The 21-year-old, who joined Ahly from Nigeria's Bayelsa United, is the second foreign striker in the team's ranks after Ethiopia's Saladin Said arrived last summer.

Ahly's roster also includes veteran striker Emad Meteb and towering frontman Ahmed Abdel-Zaher but they have made little impact this term, with coach Juan Garrido hardly fielding them on a regular basis.

Ebimobowei set an ambitious target for himself, saying he wanted to emulate the success of Ahly great Mohamed Abou-Treika, a club icon who led them to a host of domestic and continental titles before hanging up his boots in late 2013.

"I'm proud and delighted to join this team, which one of the best in the world," he added.

"Abou-Treika was a great player. I used to watch him a lot; he had some great achievements with Ahly and the national team. I also know [former defender] Wael Gomaa, he was also a great player.

"I want to follow in their footsteps and take part in the Club World Cup with Ahly."

Ahly, who are chasing a ninth successive league title, lie fourth in the league table with 28 points, 12 behind leaders Zamalek who played three matches more.

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