- Zamalek have won the title with three games to spare
- They have beaten arch rivals Al Ahly to the crown after the latter struggled this season
- They will be handed the title on Tuesday night
The White Knights of Cairo, Zamalek, have been crowned champions of Egypt for the 15th time in their history with three games to spare. This is after their closest challengers, Pyramids, were beaten 1-0 by Future on Monday night.
Arch rivals, Al Ahly, who have dropped to third, were held to a draw by Ismaily, taking the wind off their sails in the hunt for the title.
With the results posted on Monday, Zamalek sit on the apex of the standings with 75 points, seven ahead of Pyramids who have played a match more ands have only two remaining before the season ends.
Arch rivals Ahly who have endured a torrid season are third with 64 points, nine behind the runaway leaders and champions elect.
Since drawing 2-2 with Ahly in the Cairo derby in June, Zamalek who endured a painful group stage exit in the CAF Champions League have been on a superb run, winning 12 matches on the trot and have only conceded once in their last five matches.
Zamalek will be handed the league title on Tuesday after their clash with Ittihad of Alexandria and then shift their focus on the Egypt Cup, where they will face Al Masry in the quarter-finals.
Kaizer Chiefs look for bounce down South
Kaizer Chiefs in action during a past match. PHOTO/Kaizer Chiefs
Meanwhile in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs take on Cape Town City in their fifth match of the South African premier Soccer League (PSL) on Tuesday night looking to firm up their third win of the season and move up the standings.
Chiefs have won two and lost two of their opening four games of the campaign and will look to make it back to back victories after beating Richards Bay 1-0 last time out.
Chiefs tactician Arthur Zwane expects a tough outing away to Cape Town.
“It’s not an easy game because City have done well and want that first win, and for any team, there’s no bigger occasion than to get it against Chiefs. We are aware of this and will do our best to make sure we put a smile on our supporters’ faces,” the tactician said ahead of the game.
Despite being limited in their rest and recovery between games, the tactician says his players must cope with the situation.
“With travel between Durban and Cape Town and only one day to prepare, we will have devised a plan and see how we set up. We will look at the guys we have in the squad and see who will slot in to make sure we fight for maximum points,” he said,
Both teams have mixed fortunes heading into this game with Cape Town winless this season with two losses and two draws.
In terms of head to head records, the balances tip to Chiefs’ favor as they have won 18 of their last 28 meetings, losing only six and drawing four. Last season though, City took four points off Chiefs, drawing the first leg 0-0 and winning the second leg 2-1.
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