"It's very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season" - Okoli

 

A tough, physical encounter against ENPPI is on the cards for Saturday night’s first away league match of the season for Al Mokawloon.

The Egyptian Premier League encounter takes place at the Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) with kick off set for 6pm.

Last season saw the two sides playing to a 1-1 draw in Cairo. Overall, in the head-to-head record, there have been 30 matches played, with ENPPI winning 16, Al Mokawloon 5, and nine draws.

Al Mokawloon won their first game of the season against El Sharqia Dokhan 1-0 thanks to a first half strike from new signing John Okoli.

“Obviously it’s very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season,” said Okoli to the Media.

“So it’s vital that we go out on Saturday night and get all three points against ENPPI.

“Preparations have gone well this week. We have settled in well – everything’s in place and we know what’s expected of us on Saturday.

“ENPPI are a difficult team to play against – an aggressive, hard-running team - strong and physical, they play long balls. It will be a tough game, but we’re well prepared and looking forward to it.”

The former Saif Sporting star also emphasised that he is not under pressure to deliver.

“The team is very, very, very important. I prioritise overall success and not personal ambition. Every striker always want to score, but there is no pressure on my part to make it happen,” he said.