Preview: Beleaguered Zamalek eye comeback in Egyptian League against Pharco FC

Ahram Online , Thursday 20 Jun 2024

Cairo giants Zamalek, embroiled in a row with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), will look to bounce back from a controversial defeat when they face Pharco FC at the Arab Contractors Stadium in a rescheduled Premier League fixture on Friday.

Zamalek
(Photo: Al-Ahram)

 

The match, originally postponed due to international commitments, takes on added significance following Zamalek's threat to boycott the remainder of the season.

The White Knights, currently languishing in 11th place with 31 points, were left fuming after a narrow 2-1 loss to Masry on Monday, which they deemed unfair due to officiating decisions.

The club released a statement expressing discontent with the EFA and demanded an investigation into the Masry game refereeing.

Heightening the drama, Zamalek have threatened a walkout unless their demands, including a neutral committee to oversee the remaining matches and a revised schedule, are met, stating that the Pharco game could be their last of the season.

Mounting woes for Zamalek
 

Zamalek's task against Pharco is further complicated by a string of player suspensions and injuries.

The influential trio of Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed, Ibrahima Ndiaye and Nabil Emad will be unavailable due to suspension, while captain Mahmoud "Shikabala" Abdel-Razek, defender Ahmed Fatouh and striker Seifeddine Jaziri remain sidelined.

Additionally, goalkeeper Mohamed Awwad was suspended by the club after a heated exchange with teammate Hosam Abdel-Meguid during the Masry match.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for the White Knights with second-choice goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi potentially returning from a muscle injury sustained during the warm-up before the Masry game.

On the other side, Pharco FC find themselves precariously placed in 15th position, just above the relegation zone.

Therefore, they will be desperate for points to overcome the spectre of exiting the top tier of Egyptian football only three years after promotion for the first time.

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