The Egyptian FA announced on Thursday the schedule for the 2008-2009 Egyptian League season which will commence on August 8th, 2008 and end on May 15th, 2009.

The Egyptian FA took into consideration the national team's participation in the FIFA Confederations Cup that will be played in South Africa next summer.

Ahli's arch rivals Zamalek will begin their campaign with a difficult game away to Ghazl Mahalla.

Runners up Ismaili will host ENPPI on the opening day while newly promoted sides Police Union and Asyut Petroleum will face Egypt Telecom and Tersana respectively.

The other opening day games are: Petrojet v Harras Al Hodoud, Arab Contractors v Al-Gaish and Ittihad Alexandria v Masri.

In the second round, Ahli will play Masri in Port Saied while Zamalek host Ittihad in Cairo.