The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had rescheduled the Ahli-Zamalek match from February 14th to March 4th after Egypt won the African Cup of Nations on Friday.

"The national team players need to rest after the tremendous physical and psychological strain they endured during the African Cup," Al-Badri told Filgoal.com on Monday.

Al-Badri, who is also Ahli's acting football director, said that even the fans needed time to celebrate the African title before the Cairo derby.

Al-Badri noted that the new date was still inconvenient for Ahli who will face Royal Armed Forces of Morocco in the African Super Cup on February 24th and a local league match before facing Zamalek.

Zamalek vice-president Hamada Emam also voiced his content with the decision to postpone the game.

Emam said that having a game between the Egyptian powerhouses only a few days after the national team won the African title would have not been the wisest decision.

Emam also noted that the deferment of the match will allow Egyptian representatives to prepare for their important African Super Cup encounter.

Ahli and Zamalek's coaching staffs had granted their players a 4-day vacation following the African Cup.

On the other hand, Ahli defender Wael Gomaa will be sidelined for three weeks after he picked up a thigh injury in the African final against Ivory Coast.