The 27-year-old guardian was finally given the nod by coach Manuel Jose, who decided to favor Abdul-Hamid at the expense of Egypt's number one keeper Essam Al-Hadari in the cup.

"I rarely start for the team, especially in such crucial games like the cup final, so this one will be the most important game of my career so far," Abdul-Hamid told Filgoal.com.

The Egypt international had a disastrous experience in his last cup final against Arab Contractors in 2004, when he was seriously injured late in the game, and Ahli lost 2-1 after defender Shadi Mohamed stood between the sticks.

"The Contractors game in 2004 was an awful memory, and I wish I could help the team win the cup title this time," he said.

Abdul-Hamid appeared for Ahli against Zamalek in the latest 2-0 league defeat, but despite the result, the Ahli custodian had a fine game and saved a penalty in the process.