Ahli and Zamalek lock horns in an anticipated Egyptian Cup round of 16 clash at Cairo Stadium after overcoming lower division sides Nabaroh and Fayoum respectively.

With no love lost between both sides, the Egyptian FA usually appoints foreign officials to be in charge of their clashes.

The referee committee is yet to settle on the referee who will officiate the game but it is facing a race against time to do so, with two days remaining before the third Cairo derby meeting this season.

"People should not be worried, everything will be settled by tomorrow," Hossam told Egyptian TV.

"The problem is that all the good referees are getting ready for the World Cup but we are doing our best to bring in a big-name one.

"We normally reveal the name of the referee one day before the games, so until now we have no problems."

Swiss referee Massimo Busacca was in charge of the last derby match, a thrilling 3-3 Egyptian Premier League draw last month.

Ahli are bidding to complete the double after wrapping up a sixth consecutive league title while their arch-rivals Zamalek are seeking to win their first trophy since 2008.