“Fathi is an engine for Ahli. He runs throughout the 90 minutes, he can be a playmaker and can send crosses,” said Zaki, who is forced to miss the big game due to a knee problem.

“He is the ideal player to mark Shikabala. I think this will determine how the match goes. If Fathi managed to control Shikabala’s danger Ahli could take advantage and vice-versa.

“Hossam Ashour and Wael Gomaa are also very important for Ahli. Ashour is a key defender and Gomaa is a real leader at the back.”

Zaki, along with Fathi and Gomaa, was a key member of Egypt’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles in 2006 and 2008, but the Bulldozer missed out on this year’s triumph in Angola.