Zamalek will be looking for a much-needed win over arch-rivals Ahli in Sunday's Egyptian Super Cup, but their task looks far from being attainable. The Whites will miss several key players against a star-studded Ahli, thus diminishing their chances of ending the Red Devils' dominance. Ahli claimed 12 victories over Zamalek in the last 14 Cairo derbies. Zamalek, who lost 2-1 to Ahli in the CAF Champions League last week, will have to do without three of their influential players. Amr Zaki will not be available after completing a season-long loan move to English Premier League side Wigan Athletic. He had been hoping to receive permission from Wigan to take part in the anticipated game. But the Latics officially informed Zamalek that the combative striker could not feature in the match. Gamal Hamza, who scored Zamalek's only goal against Ahli last week, will also miss the match through suspension. Talented winger Shikabala, who is considered of Zamalek's mainstays, will be out as he serves a six-month suspension for making an illegitimate move to the club from PAOK Saloniki. Zamalek will also have to find replacements for regular duo Mohamed Aboul-Ella and Ahmed Ghanem, who are banned. Ghanem's presence in the game was essential, many Zamalek fans believe. He would have filled in for right-back Mohamed Abdullah, whose dreadful error paved the way for Ahli to score the opener in the last Cairo derby. But Zamalek will take consolation from the fact that all their new signings would be available against Ahli.
German coach Reiner Hollmann had limited options in Zamalek's Champions League squad. The club could only register three new players from possible seven. Brazilian full-back Ricardinho and playmaker Mahmoud Samir, who arrived from Arab Contractors, are expected to make their debuts. Hani Saied came on as a late substitute against Ahli last week but will most likely start Sunday's match. No Problems On the other hand, Ahli do not have serious problems to be worry of when they meet their traditional rivals. Despite the exclusion of influential trio Mohamed Abou-Treika, Gilberto and Emad Meteb, Ahli have what it takes to fill in for them. Goalkeeper Amir Abdul-Hamid will stand between the sticks. Wael Gomaa, Shadi Mohamed and Ahmed Al-Sayed will probably form Ahli's three-man backline. Egypt left-back Sayed Moawad is expected to replace Angolan winger Gilberto on the left, with Mohamed Barakat serving on the other flank. Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan, who shone in Ahli's Champions League win for Zamalek, is certain to start the game. He is expected to be partnered by holding midfielders Hossam Ashour and Anis Boujelbene. Egyptian-born Qatari winger Hussein Yasser is in line to make his debut. Ahli fans will be waiting to see him in action as he has been compared to the team's mercurial midfielder Barakat. Angolan striker Flavio Amado is expected to partner Ahmed Belal upfront.
