The Whites have been stumbling in recent weeks, dropping seven points in their previous three games. However, Ghanem believes a win over Ahli could put his team back in contention.

"I think if we lost the Cairo derby the league will be over for us, but if we won, we will put pressure on Ahli," Ghanem told FilGoal.com.

"We know that the game is important to Ahli, so it will be crucial if we won."

Zamalek are fourth in the Egyptian league table with 18 points from 10 games, trailing leaders Petrojet by seven points.

Ahli come fifth with 16 points, but the Reds have only played seven games due to their busy continental fixture list.