Former Al Ahly defender Sherif Hazem urges players to score eight goals against Zamalek

Former Al Ahly defender Sherif Hazem has challenged the Red Devils to score eight goals against Zamalek in Sunday’s Egyptian Premier League derby, insisting that their rivals’ off-field problems should not be used as an excuse for poor results.

Hazem criticised the repeated references to Zamalek’s difficult circumstances ahead of the highly anticipated Cairo showdown, arguing that the club must focus on competing rather than dwelling on its problems.

Speaking on on MBC Egypt, he said: “You keep telling me that you have circumstances? If you have circumstances, don’t play.”

“Zamalek has been saying for 20 years that they have circumstances, and this is not an excuse.” He added.

Hazem pointed to Zamalek’s league triumph last season as evidence that the team could still achieve success despite the challenges surrounding the club.

The former defender also called on Al Ahly’s players to approach the derby with an aggressive attacking mentality from the opening whistle and avoid allowing Zamalek to dictate the game.

“Al-Ahly players must score 8 goals against Zamalek, and the players’ focus should be on what they offer on the field, not on the circumstances the opponent is going through,” he said.

The comments come ahead of Sunday’s Cairo derby, with both teams preparing for a crucial encounter in the Egyptian Premier League title race.