BBC SPORT | Football | Africa | A tale of two clubs



By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online, Cairo

Zamalek's new coach Carlos Roberto Capral says he would not be taking unnecessary risks in their match against Asec Abidjan.

He made it clear that he would not be making any major changes to Zamalek's line-up.

"There is no time for experiments, this will be my first challenge and it is a grim one," said the Brazilian.

The team suffers from the injury of their first choice goalkeeper, Abdel Monsef, who will be replaced by Abdel Wahed.

Hazem Emam, their talented play maker, has been under intensive treatment and looks unlikely to play the match.

Their hopes for victory are firmly pinned on the striking boots of veteran Hossam Hassan.

High expectations

Ahly, the defending African champions, seem to exude more confidence.

Fresh from a training tour of Europe with Jo Bonfrere, their new Dutch coach, the team will not give up their crown without a fight.

Jo Bonfrere handling a training session at Ahly
Jo Bonfrere (in blue) faces his first test with Ahly

Large crowds have been watching Ahly's training sessions and are eager to see their new look team against Jeanne d'Arc.

Yasser Radwan and Mohamed Emara who have played in Germany with Hansa Rostock have joined the club, adding strength to the squad.

It is uncertain if Ibrahim Said will be in the line-up, as he recently returned to Cairo after a trial period with English premiership side Everton.

But Ahly's main concern seems to be the psychological state of their top scorer Khaled Bibo.

Attracting interest from various European clubs, he is faced with the choice or remaining with Ahly or starting a new career abroad.

Bonfrere specifically asked Ahly officials to renew the player's contract, in order to end the uncertainty about his future.


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