[ad_1]
CAIRO – The final of the 2020 CAF Champions League in Cairo on Friday between Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek will be the first to pit rivals from a country against each other.
The match, which will be held behind closed doors under the slogan “no to fanaticism”, will bring together clubs whose clashes have long dominated local and continental competitions.
Former Arab League chief Amr Moussa once described Ahly and Zamalek as the “two largest popular parties” in Egypt.
LEE: Mosimane announced as Al Ahly coach
Ahly have won the Champions League eight times and been crowned Egyptian Premier League champions 42 times, while Zamalek have won the main African club competition five times and been Egyptian champions 12 times.
Despite his popularity and wide fan base, Egypt’s most successful player, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, never played for either club, lining up with Al Mokawloon Al Arab in Cairo.
The decision not to allow spectators at the 74,000 capacity Cairo International Stadium came in a joint statement by the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the Egyptian Football Federation (EFA).
Referring to the coronavirus pandemic, they said “their highest priority was ensuring the safety of Egyptian and African football families.”
In addition to health problems, the historic rivalry between Ahly and Zamalek raised fears of clashes between supporters.
Fans should be able to watch the game on television in clubs or youth centers, but not in cafes or public places.
The rivalry between the clubs peaked in recent years, especially on social media after the 2019 Egyptian Super Cup, a match Ahly won 3-2.
Ahly’s supporters took to the streets in various regions to celebrate before being “infiltrated” by fans, who were arrested.
“Ahly and Zamalek are like brothers and unfortunately the fanaticism is only among the fans,” said retired Zamalek and Egypt star Hazem Emam.
– ‘Intensity increased’ –
“The decision (by FIFA) to host the FIFA Club World Cup in Doha next February has increased the intensity of the confrontation,” said former Ahly Walid Salaheldin player.
Covid-19 has affected both teams with Walid Soliman from Ahly, Mahmoud ‘Kahraba’ Abdelmoneim and Saleh Gomaa and Mahmoud ‘El Wensh’ Hamdy from Zamalek and assistant coach Medhat Abdelhady contracting the disease.
Former star Emam says Ahly switched to “team football” since he was coach of South Africa Pitso Mosimane arrived in September, while recently hired Portuguese Zamalek manager Jaime Pacheco has changed little.
READ: Police investigate the death of Ngcongca
Mosimane have beaten Zamalek in a final, leading South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns to a 3-1 aggregate victory in 2016.
He will include goalkeeper Mohamed el Shennawy, Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdy, Tunisian Ali Maaloul, Malian Aliou Dieng and Nigerian Junior Ajayi.
“Mosimane has released the players from the restrictions imposed by the former coaches, which tips the balance in favor of their players against the Zamalek players and their individual abilities, especially (Achraf) Bencharki and Ferjani Sassi,” Salaheldin said.
Pacheco, who returned to Zamalek six years after first coaching the White Knights, said he trusted his players, their strong personality and their ability to “please the fans.”
Zamalek’s stars include veteran Tarek Hamed, Tunisian Sassi, Moroccan Bencharki, Ahmed ‘Zizou’ Sayed and Mostafa Mohammed.
Ahly reached the Champions League final by defeating Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca 2-0 away and 3-1 at home, while Zamalek defeated the other Casablanca giants Raja 1-0 away and 3 -1 at home.
The Cairo clubs met in the Champions League eight times with Ahly winning five games and the other three tied.
