"The game will be extremely difficult because of both teams' poor run of form in the Egyptian Premier League," he told FilGoal.com.

"Ismaili's recent results weren't really satisfying, having lost to Masri and Zamalek.

"Ahli's performances in the competition were below-par either, so the match will definitely be pulsating with both teams trying to redeem themselves."

Ismaili, the hosts of Sunday's eagerly-awaited meeting, are 10th in the league table with 13 points, five behind defending champions Ahli who lie in second place.