Preview: A bruised Pyramids FC look to stay in title race against Zamalek

Ahmed Ghandour , Thursday 25 Jul 2024

Pyramids FC hope to stay in the race for the Egyptian Premier League title when they face off against Cairo giants Zamalek in a rescheduled match from the 18th matchday at Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Zamalek vs Pyramids (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Zamalek vs Pyramids (Photo: Al-Ahram)

 

Pyramids FC currently sit atop the league standings with 68 points from 29 games and are clinging to a narrow two-point lead over second-placed and league-holders Ahly, who have three games in hand.

The Blues' back-to-back league defeats to Ahly interrupted their impressive 14-game winning streak as they search for their first title in any competition.

The team will have to navigate the absence of key players, including the league's top scorer Fiston Mayele; defenders Ahmed Tawfik and Mahmoud Marei; red-carded Moroccan international Mohamed Chibi; and midfielder Ibrahim Adel who is on international duty with the Egypt U-23 national team at the Olympics.

Pyramids FC Croatian head coach Krunoslav Jurčić's side will be looking to overcome historical challenges, having secured only two victories over Zamalek in their last 14 encounters across all competitions.

On the other side, Zamalek hopes to climb the league table from their current sixth position with 45 points after 27 games.

A recent 2-1 victory over Dakhleya marked a resurgence for the White Knights, who will be boosted by the return of veteran captain Mahmoud "Shikabala" Abdel-Razek from injury.

Zamalek, however, will face lineup challenges with the suspension of Hamza Mathlouthi and Mohab Yasser; the absence of Hossam Abdel-Maguid, Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed, Mohamed Shehata, and Ziad Kamal, all with the Egypt U-23 national team at the Olympics.

Portuguese head coach Jose Gomez will continue to use young talents in the absence of key players.

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