Ittihad, Zamalek Meet in Saudi-Egypt Super Cup

JEDDAH, 24 July 2003 — Ittihad of Jeddah and Zamalek of Egypt will meet in the Saudi-Egyptian Super Cup in Cairo with both out to prove a point.

Ittihad is out to complete a hat trick of victories against top Egyptian clubs, following victories over Al-Ahli, 3-2 in Cairo, and Ismaili, 1-0 in Jeddah.

A win over Zamalek would also avenge Al-Ittifaq’s loss to Zamalek in the Arab League Cup recently.

Zamalek, who won the Arab League Championship, will be hoping to do what the other two teams could not in front of their home crowd, and emphasize its domination in Arab soccer.

Ittihad and Zamalek fans were hoping that their team would carry the day. An ardent Ittihadi, Rakan Aseri, said, “We have great players in Hamza Idris, Hasan Al-Yami and our goalie Mabrook Zayed, and I predict Ittihad will win 1-0.”

Another Ittihadi fan Wael Hareri is not that optimistic. He said, “It’ll be difficult for Ittihad, as they will have to overcome Zamalek and also the thousands of Egyptian fans. Though Zamalek has the edge, I hope Ittihad wins.”

An Egyptian fan, Mohamed Ali, said, “It’s a great chance for Egypt avenge Ismaili’s defeat against Ittihad two weeks ago, Zamalek has some talented players, Hazim Imam and the twins, Husam and Ibrahim Hasan, and will be going for a win.”

“Zamalek has secured five trophies this season and is looking forward for another one tonight.”