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Al-Ahram Weekly 28 Jan. - 3 Feb. 1999 Issue No. 414 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 28 Jan. - 3 Feb. 1999 Issue No. 414
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Focus Economy Opinion Culture Features Living Travel Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Zamalek back on top
By Inas MazharZamalek took arch-rival Ahli -- and spectators -- by surprise in the final of the League Championship at the Cairo Stadium, in one of the most exciting encounters between the sport's two leaders.
For the first time in years, Zamalek's game revived past glories, in the days before Ahli's five-year domination of the league.
Zamalek fans celebrating their team's victory after Ahli's five-year domination of the league
photos: Abdel-Hamid Eid
Zamalek led from the start, appearing more confident, powerful, fitter and skilful than Ahli, who struggled throughout to match their rival's performance.
Zamalek's first-class performance can largely be attributed to the team's new manager Mamdouh Hashem, whose hallmark was obvious. In the final match, the team showed off powerful new tactics in offense and defence, as well as fast breaks -- all of which took their rival by surprise.
Ahli appeared at times to be dazed by the full strength of Zamalek's domination. The former champions showed little sign of their five-year national and regional domination of the sport. Their game was sloppy and lacked the confidence and spirit that has thrilled crowds over the years.
The Olympic team of Alexandria was placed third, after beating league newcomers Ismaili 25-21 in the play-off match for third and fourth places.
Zamalek players penetrating Ahli defence superbly
Meanwhile, the draw for the 16th World Handball Championship for Men was scheduled to take place last night at the Cairo Opera House. Twenty-four teams will take part in the event that will take place from 1 to 15 June: Russia, Sweden, Spain, Germany, France, Croatia, Macedonia, Norway, Denmark, Yugoslavia and Hungary (Europe); Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt (Africa); Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Korea and China (Asia); and Brazil, Argentina, Cuba (South America) and Australia (Oceania).
The championship will be divided into four groups, each comprising six teams, and the event will be held in three venues: Cairo, which will host two groups, Ismailia and Port Said. Egypt is the first African country to host the World Championship. Japan hosted the 1997 championship, the first time it took place outside Europe.
