Zamalek count the cost of league break

Zamalek can't find enough players to arrange friendly games during the Egyptian Premier League's break, coach Hossam Hassan said. The premier domestic competition is stopped for 25 days to allow Egypt to prepare for their anticipated African Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger on Sunday. Cairo giants Ahli will also meet Tunisia's Esperance in the second leg of the African Champions League semi finals. The Egyptian U-20 and Olympic teams made the most of the long break by arranging friendly games, leaving Hossam Hassan with shortage of options. "Zamalek are one of the most affected teams by the break," the Egypt's all-time top scorer told FilGoal.com. "There are many players who were called up to the Egyptian national teams from my team. "I can't even play any friendly games during that break." Fifteen Zamalek players were called up to the Egyptian senior, Olympic, U-20 and military teams. The White Knights made a disappointing start to their season but notably improved before the break. They secured three successive victories to move second in the table with 14 points from seven games, one behind leaders and surprise package Police Union.