Zamalek threatened by cards piling up ahead of the African Champions League semi-final second leg
Zamalek are threatened by cards piling up, while Al-Ahly's situation is more promising ahead of the semi-final second legs.
Despite claiming victory in CAF Champions League semi-final first leg, Zamalek are concerned about losing important players due to an acculmation of yellow cards should the team make it to the final, while its potential opponent Al-Ahly is in a relatively better position.
Ahly have got one foot in the final after they beat Wydad 2-0 at the Mohammed V stadium, while Zamalek beat Raja Casablanca 1-0 at the same stadium to boost their chances of taking the other spot in the final.
The semi-final second legs are scheduled for 23 and 24 October in Cairo with the Egyptian giants facing the challenge of reaching the final with a complete squad. Zamalek has several important players who could receive a third yellow card and subsequently miss the final.
Zamalek's situation is a bit tougher
Zamalek's goalkeeper Mohamed Abu-Gabal, midfielder Tarek Hamed, and the team's striker and top scorer Mostafa Mohamed have all picked up two yellow cards during the knock-out stages.
No Ahly player has been booked twice during knock-out stages
After the CAF lifted all yellow cards in the group stage, Al-Ahly's situation is better than that of Zamalek as no player has more been booked more than once since the knock-out stages started. Aleo Deang, Ayman Ashraf, Giraldo, and Ahmed Fathy all have only one yellow card which enables them to play the return leg against Wydad without fear of missing the final.