Zamalek complete preparations for Egyptian Premier League derby against Al Ahly

Zamalek have completed their preparations for Sunday’s Egyptian Premier League meeting with Al Ahly, with head coach Moataz Gamal reducing the players’ workload ahead of the Cairo derby.

The squad held its final training session on Saturday evening at Al-Nady Club in the New Administrative Capital, before facing Al Ahly at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the competition.

The coaching staff opted for a lighter physical programme to minimise the risk of fatigue before the important fixture. Players completed a fitness session led by Portuguese conditioning coach Nuno Costa Ribeiro, featuring running exercises around the pitch and light ball work.

Attention then turned to tactical preparation. Gamal divided the squad into groups for drills designed to develop the team’s approach for the match, while the coaching staff provided continuous instructions throughout the exercise.

The session ended with a practice match, allowing the players to apply the movements and ideas covered during the tactical work.

Zamalek are still waiting for a final decision on the availability of Palestine international striker Oday Dabbagh for the derby.

According to FilGoal.com, Dabbagh is suffering from a severe cold, and the club’s medical staff are stepping up efforts to treat him in time for the game.

The forward was in impressive form during the recent international break with Palestine. He played in three matches, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Before that period, Dabbagh had recorded two assists for Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League. He is the all-time leading scorer for the Palestine national team.

Al Ahly currently occupy third place in the Egyptian Premier League table with 13 points. They are level on points with second-placed Zamalek, with the two clubs separated by goal difference.

Both sides are two points behind leaders Pyramids.