The nine years Gamal Hamza spent with Zamalek will count for nothing when he plays against his former side for the first time on Friday, the Gouna forward believes. Hamza left Zamalek last summer to join German side Mainz, where he failed to establish himself to cut short an unsuccessful spell and move to Egyptian Premier League promoted side Gouna in January. If that was the only story to tell, Zamalek fans were likely to cheer for Hamza when their team face Gouna in the league. But the 28-year-old did enough to infuriate those supporters - he signed for their arch-rivals Ahli to join them after the end of the season. "The fans used to boo me when I was a Zamalek player and I can't see why they will stop after I signed for Ahli," Hamza, who was often criticized for his inconsistent displays and off-field problems, told FilGoal.com. "The fans used to hold me responsible for the poor results. It was totally not fair because I was just one player. The whole team were to blame." Difficult Hamza scored just one goal for a Gouna side who strive to avoid being relegated after just one season in the top flight. They lie third from bottom in the 20-team table, one point adrift of safety.
Gouna held Zamalek in October He will have a chance to improve his goalscoring record when he comes up against Zamalek, the team he won 12 titles with. "It is definitely difficult for me because it is the first time in my career I try to score against Zamalek," Hamza added. "I have been there since I was a kid. But I am a professional player and will do my best so that Gouna have the upper hand." Zamalek, who enjoy a great revival under coach Hossam Hassan, will be looking to extend their 10-match unbeaten streak. They also eye second place, which is occupied by Petrojet who have a one-point advantage over the Cairo side. With nine points separating them from leaders Ahli, Zamalek could keep their slim title hopes alive if they beat Gouna, who held them to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in October last year. Masri, who are one point above the danger zone, will have a chance to allay their relegation fears when they host bottom side Asyut Petroleum, who are highly unlikely to retain their top-flight status. Arab Contractors and Ghazl Mahalla, who are level on 24 points, will be also looking to move away from danger when they meet each other.
