Al-Ahly Sporting ClubCAF Champions League Preview: Zamalek vs Al-Ahly

Jul 20, 2012 | By: Nick | Comments (1125)

Round 2 of the 2012 CAF Champions League begins this weekend, with the pick of the games being the Cairo derby.

The match will put fierce rivals - Zamalek and Ahly - against one another, with the winner claiming not only bragging rights, but a valuable 3 points that will help in wualifying for the semi-finals. However, going into the match Al-Ahly are in a far more comfortable position than their rivals. While they narrowly beat 2009 and 2010 winners TP Mazembe, Zamalek meanwhile, where undone by Berekum Chelsea - going down 3-2. Add into the mix that Zamalek will be missing crucial players who are away on Olympic duty and the situation seems much more severe.

However, the form book is always thrown out of the window come derbies and this derby will be an entirely different one to previous continental Cairo derbies. Amid lingering security concerns in Egypt, the EFA have refused to allow fans into the stadium, meaning this will be the first time in 100 years that the match will be played behind closed doors. Ahly manager Hossam El-Badry put it best "“ [the] Fans’ absence will definitely affect both teams’ performance. We were hoping the fans would have attended the game to give the Derby its regular atmosphere. But it remains a big game despite being played behind closed doors."

Weakened squads, an empty stadium and a valuable 3 points on offer make this the perfect blend for an exciting derby come 22:00 (GMT +2) on Sunday evening. Despite the boisterous fans who will not be present expect the match to be full of the drama and tension we have come to expect from "Africa's Biggest Derby."

Zamalek are obviously in the weaker position having lost their opening match and will be desperate for 3 points. However, far too many people do not notice that Ahly have not won away from home in the Champions League in 14 matches. The Red Devils will have to overcome this dismal record if they wish to leave with a win.

PREDICTION:  Zamalek 1 - 1 Ahly

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ألووووووووووووو

فيه حد متابع ؟؟؟
لو فيه حد متابع ياريت يسيب كومنت
لأني بفكر أرجع أكمّل تاني بمناسبة قدوم المعلم حسن شحاتة
:)


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