The Egyptian FA said on Sunday that the match will be played on December 30 instead of 31 for security reasons.

“We are not protesting against the decision, but we are asking for an equal chance as our opponent,” Ahli football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz told the club’s website.

“It doesn’t make sense that we play our last game before the derby five days earlier, while Zamalek have a six-day rest.

“Of course the players will need more resting time before such an important game.”

Zamalek play Wadi Degla on December 24th, one day before Ahli take on Arab Contractors.

The league holders also have another rescheduled game to be played on the 21st of December against Harras Hodoud.