Awad Takes the White Shield: Zamalek Headlines a Crunchy Egyptian Super Cup Duel with Pyramids

Starting XIs

In Abu Dhabi, the coaches of Zamalek and Pyramids revealed their starting lineups for the Egyptian Super Cup semifinal set for Thursday at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in the UAE capital.

Zamalek’s lineup included Mohamed Awad in goal, with a defensive quartet of Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Hamdi “El-Wenesh”, Mohamed Ismail, and Omar Gaber. Midfielders were Ahmed Rabee, Mohamed Shat’ha, Mahmoud Bentayg, and Nasser Maher, while the forward line featured Amr Nasser and Addi Al-Dabbagh.

For Pyramids, Ahmed Al-Shenawy manned the net. The defense consisted of Mohammed Al-Shaibi, Ahmed Sami, Mahmoud Meri, and Mohammed Hamdi. In midfield, Mohannad Lasheen, Walid Al-Karti, Ahmed Atef Qatta, Karim Hafiz, and Mahmoud Zelka supported a front line led by Fiston Mayele.

On the bench for Zamalek were Mehdi Suleiman, Hossam Abdel Majid, Salah Muddak, Seif Jaafar, Abdullah Al-Saeed, Ahmed Hamdi, Marwan Hamdi, and Morsi Baba (names transliterated from Arabic). Pyramids also had a robust athlete pool ready to enter when needed, including backup goalkeeper and defender options and several attacking backups.

Media and fans are keeping a keen eye on the tactical balance, with Zamalek aiming to exploit pace and cohesion, while Pyramids seek to press high and create transitions where their attackers can pierce the defense.

Context, Absences, and Stakes

Zamalek’s technical staff, led by interim coach Ahmed Abdul Raouf, confirmed the exclusion of goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi from the squad due to not fully recovering from an injury and ongoing treatment. Veteran Mohamed Awad will be entrusted with guarding the white jersey’s goal in a high-stakes match against a dangerous adversary.

Sobhi’s absence follows his substitution in the recent league clash against Tala’ea El Gaish; Mahdi Suleiman came on for him in that game. The decision raises the onus on Awad to deliver in a decisive semifinal and potentially secure a pathway to the final where the winner will meet the victor of the other semifinal between Al Ahly and Ceramica Cleopatra.

Awad spoke to the media ahead of the game, acknowledging the scale of the challenge posed by Pyramids and thanking the fans for their steadfast support. He stressed that the squad has faced tough conditions before and remains focused on securing the trophy for the club’s supporters.

With key players like Nabil Emad Donja, Nasser Mansi, and Junior Perez (names transliterated) absent due to form, fatigue, or selection decisions, the focus falls on the starting XI and the players stepping into the spotlight. The tactical setup will be crucial as Zamalek attempts to assert control and keep a clean sheet against an ambitious rival.

The historical head-to-head record tilts slightly toward the White Knights, who have dominated portions of the rivalry in domestic play, though the recent fixture cadence has shown both sides equally capable of turning the screw when needed. The winner advances to the final to face the victor from the other semifinal, adding extra motivation for both clubs to claim silverware and lift a trophy that remains a symbol of prestige in Egyptian football.

In quotes, Awad emphasized readiness: “We face a big team, but we are used to tough conditions. Our eyes are on the trophy, and we hope to bring it home with the fans behind us.” He also noted that the absence of several influential players is a factor, but insisted that every shirt bearer must rise to the occasion and make the club proud. The aim is to turn challenges into a statement of character and a step toward a successful campaign.

As the teams prepare, the duel promises intensity, tactical nuance, and a showcase of talent that could shape the rest of the season for both clubs. The atmosphere in Abu Dhabi is set to be electric, with fans and pundits watching closely how the defenses hold up and which attackers can unlock the game’s key moments.

Punchline time: If defense wins championships, Zamalek’s back line is basically a bank vault—solid, silent, and somehow still collecting interest in clean sheets. Punchline two: In a game this tight, a goalkeeper wearing a cape would be more valuable than a striker with a lucky lunchbox, because saving goals is basically selling tickets to the trophy show.