Zamalek's Keeper Omission Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Super Cup Showdown

Injury-Driven Omission Ahead of Abu Dhabi Showdown

The Zamalek technical staff, led by interim coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf, has left goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi out of the squad that will face Pyramids tonight in the Egyptian Super Cup semifinal in the United Arab Emirates.

The exclusion comes because Sobhi has not fully recovered from his injury and has not completed the prescribed treatment program.

Sources close to the coaching staff told KOOORA that the decision was made to avoid taking risks with the goalkeeper, given the match’s sensitivity and the likelihood of a potential shootout later on.

Sobhi was injured during the White Knights’ clash with Tala’ea El Gaish, leaving the pitch in the second half and making way for Mehdi Suleiman.

With Sobhi sidelined, the coaching staff has opted to rely on veteran Mohamed Awad as the primary custodian in a bid to safeguard the White Castle’s goal against a potent Pyramid attack.

This call places extra responsibility on Awad, especially as the team faces a challenging test under a relatively new technical direction and a fierce push for a place in the final.

Fans are also worried about Awad’s lack of recent action, given the heavier reliance on Mohamed Sobhi since the start of the season.

Significance

The teams meet in a high-stakes, high-tempo clash scheduled for Thursday evening at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi, with both sides eager to reach the final and claim a trophy that could set the tone for the rest of the season.

The stakes are clear: Zamalek want to reaffirm their history of success, while Pyramids aim to continue their ascent as one of Egypt’s modern powerhouses.

Head-to-Head Edge

Historical records show 23 previous meetings, including four when Pyramid’s club carried the name Asyutty—the rivalry has always been charged, across league, cup, and now the Super Cup.

In those clashes, Zamalek has the edge with more wins, though Pyramids have produced notable results as they’ve grown into a serious title contender. Draws have been common across the series.

The winner of this semi-final will meet either Al Ahly or Ceramica Cleopatra in the final, scheduled for next Sunday.

Awad’s Statements

Mohamed Awad, Zamalek’s veteran goalkeeper, stressed the team’s readiness to take on Pyramids in the Super Cup semifinal in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the squad’s experience in handling tough conditions and their focus on lifting the trophy.

Speaking ahead of the match on a television appearance, Awad said: “We face a big team, but we are used to difficult circumstances. God willing, our aim is to win the cup, and we’re counting on fan support tomorrow.”

Asked about the absence of key players like Nabil Emad Donja, Nasser Monssi, and Juan Pezzera, Awad acknowledged they are “notable absences,” but insisted that every player in the squad understands their responsibility when wearing the White Knights’ jersey.

He expressed confidence that those who will play will be “men on the field” and that the team will return with the cup if they stay true to their preparation and discipline.

Awad also delivered a motivational note to new S uper Cup participants, describing them as “great players” who add value to the squad and wishing them success in claiming their first trophy for Zamalek.

He closed by thanking the fans, promising a strong performance and a trophy celebration they could share together if destiny smiles on them in Abu Dhabi.

Zamalek Squad for the Super Cup

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Sobhi – Mohamed Awad – Mehdi Suleiman.

Defense: Omar Gaber – Baroun Oushing – Mahmoud Hamdi “El Wensh” – Hossam Abdel Moneim – Mohammed Ismail – Salah Moudedk – Ahmed Fattouh – Mahmoud Bentyk.

Midfield: Ahmed Rabee – Mohamed Shihata – Mahmoud Jihad – Seif Jaafar – Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” – Abdullah Al-Saeed – Ahmed Hamdi – Naser Maher – Abdulmohamed Maalay – Ahmed Sherif – Shiko Panza – Juan Pezzera.

Attack: Udi Al-Dabbagh – Seif El-Gezyiri – Amr Nasser.

The match figures to be a tactical chess game, with both clubs intent on advancing to the final and raising a prestigious trophy in the United Arab Emirates.

Punchline time: If patience were a goalkeeper, Sobhi would be undefeated—the bench has become his secure clean sheet. Punchline two: In football as in comedy, timing is everything; Zamalek’s timing is so tight the injury list should file a sponsorship for more bench space.