Preview: Zamalek look to edge closer to Egyptian league title

Ahram Online , Thursday 4 Aug 2022

A confident Zamalek side will aim to take another step closer to the domestic league title when they face Gouna at the Red Sea resort city on Friday.

Zamalek
Zamalek players celebrating. File: Ahram.

 

After overcoming two stiff clashes against Future FC (1-0) and Pyramids FC (3-0) respectively, the White Knights seem on the right track to keep their league title for the second season in a row.

They are on the top of the league standings with 66 points, seven points ahead of second placed Pyramids and nine off Ahly who played one match less than the two first teams.

Since their 2-2 draw against Ahly in June, the White Knights have claimed seven consecutive wins that helped them to cement their position on the top of the league table with six matches to spare.

They only need 12 points from the remaining six games to secure the league title.

“We got a huge advantage on winning the league title after defeating Pyramids FC but we are yet to win the title,” Zamalek coach Jesualdo Ferriera warned his players.

“We have to keep our winning rhythm against Gouna. They have a good team and the game will not be easy,” the Portuguese coach told reporters.

Zamalek will play the game with their full squad after the team’s doctor revealed that international defender Mahmoud ‘El-Wensh’ Hamdi is fit for the game after sustaining a head injury in the game against Pyramids FC.

On the other hand, Gouna – who are in 15th place on the league table – will not have the luxury of dropping points in their campaign to keep their place with the elite and escape relegation.

Experienced coach Talaat Youssef, who took charge of Gouna last month, has made good progress with the team so far, coming close to earning an important win over NBE last week before conceding a late goal to share spoils with their hosts.

A win against Zamalek will help the team to improve their situation in the league table and will gave them a huge morale boost, but it is clear that their mission will be very tough against the league leaders.

They are on the top of the league standings with 66 points, seven points ahead of second placed Ahly and ten off Ahly who played one match less than the two first teams.

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