File Photo: Pyramids Midfielder Ibrahim Adel in action during the match against Zamalek. Photo courtesy of Pyramids Facebook page.
The gulf between the two sides is clear. Zamalek continue to wrestle with persistent on and off-field problems, including unpaid wages and the recent appointment of interim coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf earlier this week.
Their woes deepened with the loss of Brazilian winger Juan Alvina, who sustained a muscle injury during Zamalek’s 3-1 win over Talae El-Geish — the team’s first victory after four league matches without a win.
Abdel-Raouf said he remains confident his players can rise to the occasion despite the club’s troubles.
“Big clubs always find ways to overcome challenges,” he told reporters ahead of the match.
Although Zamalek sit third in the Egyptian Premier League, their performances have been inconsistent, raising doubts over their chances against a strong Pyramids side.
Still, history offers some encouragement — Zamalek have often upset Pyramids in previous encounters despite being the underdogs.
Pyramids captain Ahmed El-Shennawy acknowledged Zamalek’s history of surprising results, saying he hopes his side will have better fortune this time.
“We hope luck will be on our side against Zamalek,” he said on Wednesday.
On paper, Pyramids hold the upper hand following a string of impressive displays that saw them lift the CAF Super Cup and the African, Asian and Pacific title.
Domestically, they have recorded six straight league wins, sitting fourth with 20 points and three games in hand.
Despite the absence of key players including winger Mostafa Fathi and Burkinabe midfielder Blati Touré, Pyramids remain formidable thanks to the form of Congolese striker Fiston Mayele and Moroccan fullback Mohamed Al-Chibi.
Coach Krunoslav Jurčić has downplayed his team’s advantage, warning against complacency and recalling last season’s disappointment when Zamalek defeated Pyramids in the Egyptian Cup final just days after the latter’s CAF Champions League triumph.
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