Ahmed Elmohamady said on Wednesday he hopes ENPPI can lift the Egypt Cup trophy at the expense of Cairo giants Zamalek when both teams meet in an anticipated encounter on Tuesday.

‘’ENNPI lost the final two times so I hope they succeed this time and win the title,’’ Elmohamady said in a phone interview with Al-Hayat television channel.

Before moving to the English Premier League in the summer of 2010, Elmohamady played two Egypt Cup finals with ENPPI in 2008 and 2009 but they failed to clinch the title on both occasions.

Zamalek won the 2008 trophy after beating ENPPI 2-1, thanks to a late goal from Amr Zaki.

Ashley Cole praise

The Egyptian international, who scored his maiden Premier League goal in Saturday’s draw with West Bromwich Albion, expressed his delight at playing his trade in the elite competition.

‘’I used to watch the world stars shine in the Premier League in the past. I never imagined that I would play there one day,” he said.

“I have no intention to quit the Premier League and play for any Arab Gulf club for instance.”

Elmohamady also had words of praise for Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, saying the veteran left-back is a tough opponent.

“I remember when I faced Cole, he posed the sternest test to me, thanks to his huge talent and ability to push forward and fulfill attacking duties. He annoyed me (during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Sunderland last month).”

Elmohamady, who initially spent a season-long loan with Sunderland before turning his deal into a permanent one in the close season, attributed his success to commitment.

He avoided the fate of compatriot Amr Zaki, whose disciplinary problems cost him a permanent stay at Wigan Athletic under then coach Steve Bruce, who is now in charge of Sunderland.

‘’Commitment is the primary requirement for success in Europe. Talent and fitness are less important than commitment,” he explained.  

Elmohamady also said he believes the Black Cats will improve after making a poor start to the season, having collected just six points from their first seven games, just one point above the drop zone.

‘’The team’s new signings haven’t gelled into the team yet. I think the team’s results will improve in the coming period,’’ He concluded.