Boosted by a host of new signings, Zamalek will be looking to build on their impressive Egyptian Premier League start when they meet Ittihad El-Shorta on Thursday.

The wounded club, who failed to end a Cairo derby drought stretching back to 2007 after losing to arch-rivals Ahly on penalties in the Egyptian Super Cup, kicked off their new league campaign in superb fashion, thrashing Talae El-Geish 6-1.

They displayed a vibrant attacking display, with playmaker Ayman Hefny in particular wreaking havoc upfront against his old club, having created two goals before helping set up two others as Zamalek hammered their hapless opponents.

Hefny, who joined from El-Geish in the close season, and several other new signings showed flashes of their talents, to the delight of chairman Mortada Mansour who spent big in the close season to bolster an underachieving squad, signing more than a dozen players.

Defensive duo Ali Gabr and Burkinabe Mohamed Koffi formed a solid partnership in the heart of a four-man backline while defensive midfielder Ibrahim Salah stole the show with all-round display.

Zamalek, who haven't won the premier domestic competition since 2004, will be hoping to replicate such an electrifying form against El-Shorta, who also opened their campaign with a win after beating ENPPI 2-1. Both sides have a game in hand.

Former Smouha midfielder Tarek Hamed could make his Zamalek debut after being included in the team's squad for the first time since arriving in the summer.

In other matches, Ismaily, who made a stuttering start to their league campaign with two draws against Masry and Maqassa, face Gouna while last season's runners-up Smouha, who bagged four points from two games, take on promoted Nasr.

(For more sports news and updates, follow AhramOnline Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.)



https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/111632.aspx