Football enthusiasts across the Arab world, particularly in Egypt, are eagerly anticipating the summit clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek in the final of the 2022-2023 Egypt Cup.
The match, set to take place on Friday, will be hosted at Al Oula Park as part of Riyadh Season.
This encounter is not only significant due to its historical context of being played outside Egypt for the first time or the allure of the prize money, but it bears special significance with the theme “Former Teammates, Current Rivals.”
Both teams have acquired players from each other, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
Among the notable figures is Mahmoud Kahraba, Imam Ashour, and Yasser Ibrahim, who previously donned Zamalek’s jersey but now represent Al Ahly.
However, Ibrahim will miss the game due to a hamstring injury.
Conversely, Zamalek will feature Abdullah El-Said, Nasser Maher, and Ahmed Hamdy, who will be making their first appearance in the iconic Cairo Derby after joining the White Knights in the recent winter transfer window.
All three players have previously played for Al Ahly.
Kahraba, in particular, holds the distinction of being the only player among the quintet to have featured in both the Cairo Derby matches after switching allegiances.
The transfer saga involving Kahraba is noteworthy, as he joined Al Ahly in December 2019 on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Portugal’s Desportivo Aves.
His departure from Zamalek in the summer of 2019 was marred by legal disputes, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruling in favor of Zamalek, ordering Kahraba to pay a fine of $2 million.
Imam Ashour was signed by Al Ahly from Midtjylland in Denmark in July last year for a reported fee of $3 million, less than six months after leaving Zamalek for the Danish league.
Zamalek, on the other hand, secured the services of Ahmed Hamdy, Nasser Maher, and Abdullah El-Said in the recent winter transfer window.
Hamdy, who had stints with Al Gouna and Montreal Impact, joined Zamalek on a free transfer in January after ending his contract with the Canadian club.
Nasser Maher, meanwhile, had several loan spells from Al Ahly, notably with Smouha, before Futuro signed him permanently in October 2021, and Zamalek acquired him officially in January this year.
Abdullah El-Said, known for his controversial moves, joined Al Ahly in September 2011 from Ismaily before transferring to Al Ahli Jeddah on a permanent deal in May 2018.
Despite signing a contract with Zamalek, he never officially played for them, moving to Pyramids FC and then to Zamalek in January last year.
