Zamalek's players (Photo: Reuters)
Zamalek's football delegation was warmly received by fans at Cairo International Airport on Sunday night when it arrived from Morocco after beating Maghreb Fes 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League round 16 on Saturday.
The Cairo-based club is currently preparing for the second leg in Cairo, set to be held on 13 May. Players will have a chance to rest for three days before starting their regular training and playing "at least" two friendly games, as manager Hassan Shehata has demanded of team executive manager Hamada Anwar.
Security approves home clash
According to the Whites, Egypt's interior ministry has given its approval for the home clash to be played at Cairo stadium despite fears of possible crowd unrest.
"We have received the ministry's official approval to host the match in Cairo Stadium albeit behind closed doors," club spokesman Ali Abul-Naga told Ahram Online.
All domestic Egyptian football activity has been suspended since 1 February, when scores were killed and hundreds injured in clashes between rival fans in Port Said Stadium.##
In a related development, team doctor Ayman Farid is racing to complete a rehabilitation programme for injured defender Hani Said in time for the latter to join the home game squad.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO Sports)
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