Al Ahly will face Smouha on Saturday at Cairo International Stadium in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League’s title-deciding phase, trying to steady a campaign that opened with a 1-1 draw against Ceramica Cleopatra. The Cairo club are third in the table with 40 points, while Smouha sit sixth with 31.
The match carries extra weight because Al Ahly are also looking beyond this week, with the club said to be targeting Abdelrahman Zawi as part of a summer effort to strengthen the squad. Zawi has drawn attention after guiding Algeria’s Under-17s to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and scoring the winner against Egypt in the decisive match that sealed their place.
Scouts from Al Ahly reportedly approached Zawi after the final whistle, underlining how quickly his profile has risen. The forward, who plays for MC El Makhadma, has also been backed by Amine Djimouz, who endorsed his recent form.
Zawi’s own focus remains on the tournament ahead. He said his goal is to shine at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals and, why not, win the continental title, but stressed that the immediate priority is to secure qualification for the World Cup finals in this age group because Algeria have what he described as a strong, cohesive squad.
That wider youth success is part of the backdrop to Saturday’s league game, with Algeria drawn in Group D alongside Senegal, South Africa and Ghana. For Al Ahly, though, the urgent task is simpler: turn a slow start in the title-deciding phase into points against Smouha before the pressure builds again.
