adminStar midfielders Mohamed Abou Trika of Al-Ahly and Mahmoud Abdel Razak of Zamalek return today for a potentially explosive CAF Champions League Egyptian derby. Abou Trika, considered one of the greatest footballers produced by the north African country, has completed a short loan spell with a United Arab Emirates club.
Talented but volatile Abdel Razak, better known by his nickname “Shikabala”, also spent time playing in the UAE before being released eight months ago.
They are the playmakers who drive the two most successful African clubs in CAF competitions, with Ahly winning 16 titles and Cairo neighbours Zamalek nine.
Those continental successes include a record seven Champions League triumphs for title-holders Ahly and five for Zamalek, whose last success was 11 years ago.
But political turmoil after the recent ousting of President Mohamed Morsi and related insecurity mean the Cairo giants must play 450 kilometres away in Red Sea resort El-Gouna. — Sapa-AFP
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo