The Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek, which was due to take place on 29 January, has been postponed to 7 February, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Saturday.

The EFA earlier said the 16th round of the Egyptian Premier League, which was supposed to be played on Monday and Tuesday, has been delayed upon the request of the interior ministry.

The ministry said it would be busy securing the first session of the People's Assembly on Monday and will also “safeguard the state’s facilities on the first anniversary of the January revolution on Wednesday.”

Egypt’s ruling military council said it would hold celebrations to mark the occasion in Tahrir but pro-democracy activists insist they will flood the iconic square “to continue the revolution.”

The postponement of the 16th round has also forced the EFA to reschedule several subsequent matches, including the highly-anticipated Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek.

The bitter rivals played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Cairo Stadium the last time they met back in June.

Ahly went on to win a seventh successive league title, leaving their success-starved foes still waiting for their first domestic triumph since 2004.

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