Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek to be played as scheduled: EFA

After the draw of the African Champions League paired Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek in tough knockout games, the Egyptian Football Association announced on Thursday that there is no intention to postpone the Egyptian Premier League derby game.

"The Cairo derby between Ahly and Zamalek will be played on its scheduled date on 24 February and there no intention to postpone it again," the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said in a statement on Thursday.

The EFA said in a statement that the Cairo derby was postponed from week four of the Egyptian Premier League due to security reasons that affected the league sequence given the Egyptian teams' commitment in the continental missions.

"There is no reason to postpone the game again as all parts are playing their roles to achieve the Football Association’s target of keeping the league sequence as scheduled."

Ahly were drawn with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns again while Zamalek drew with title holders Esperance of Tunisia in the African Champions League quarters.

Zamalek will have a busy schedule this February as the Whites will face Ismaily on the 17th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on 9 February, five days before playing Esperance of Tunisia in the African Super Cup.

The Whites will also face Ahly in the Egypt Super Cup in the UAE on Thursday 20 February, then the two sides will meet again in the Egyptian Premier League on 24 February before finishing the busy month by playing against Esperance of Tunisia on 29 February.