Zamalek SC will look to build on their emphatic victory over Al Ahly as they face Haras El Hedood on Sunday in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League play-offs.
The White Knights enter the encounter brimming with confidence following a dominant 3-0 triumph against their arch-rivals in the opening match of the championship round.
With momentum firmly on their side, José Peseiro’s side will now seek to maintain their push for the league title with another crucial three points.
The match takes on added importance as Zamalek aim to close the gap on second-placed Al Ahly, who slipped to a 1-1 draw against Pyramids FC.
Currently sitting third with 35 points, Zamalek could reduce the deficit to just two points with a win on Sunday.
As the top of the table tightens, every result becomes vital in what is shaping up to be a tense run-in.
Their opponents, Haras El Hedood, are newly promoted and have endured an inconsistent campaign.
However, they remain capable of upsetting the odds, especially on home soil.
With the backing of their fans, Haras El Hedood will attempt to halt Zamalek’s resurgence and stake their claim in the play-offs.
Zamalek’s ambitions have shifted solely to domestic glory after their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.
The pressure is now squarely on securing a league title or, at the very least, finishing in the top three to guarantee participation in next season’s continental competitions.
For Peseiro and his squad, victory in this fixture represents more than just three points—it is a chance to keep the pressure firmly on Al Ahly and Pyramids FC and to reignite belief within a squad still hungry for silverware.
The Portuguese tactician will be relying on the experience of players like Nasser Maher to guide the team through a challenging away fixture.
Kick-off for Haras El Hedood vs Zamalek SC is scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT, with all eyes on whether the White Knights can continue their pursuit of a long-awaited league title.
