Zamalek's Last-Minute Push: Ferreira Names Squad as Contract Drama Shadows the Bank Al Ahly Showdown
29 October 2025
Team news and squad selection
In Cairo, Belgian coach Janik Ferreira unveiled the squad for the Bank Al Ahly clash scheduled for Thursday evening at Cairo International Stadium, as part of the Egyptian Premier League's twelfth round. The lineup highlights a blend of experience and youth, with the goalkeeper trio of Mohamed Sobhi, Mehdi Suleiman, and Mahmoud El Shenawy.
Defensively, the back line features Omar Gaber, Baron Oshing, Mahmoud Hamdi "Al-Wenesh", Hossam Abdel Majed, Mohamed Ismail, Ahmed Fattouh, and Mahmoud Bentayg. In midfield, the options include Nabil Emad Donia, Ahmed Rabia, Mohamed Shahatah, Saif Jaafar, Abdullah Al-Saeed, Nasser Maher, Abdel Hamid Maali, Shiko Banza, and Juan Perezira. In attack, the front line comprises Adi Al-Dabagh, Saif Al-Jaziri, and Amr Nasser.
The final squad also featured notable changes and some absences, including the continued omission of young Mohamed Sayed, who had been at the center of recent attention after missing a penalty. The coach defended the player in previous contexts, yet this time Sayed was left out of the selection. Fans who attended the prior match directed chants toward the midfielder, who had played the full game but was called upon to be substituted amid renewal tensions.
Mohamed Sayed, 20, has reportedly refused to renew his contract beyond June, amid rumors of a potential move to Al Ahly after his tenure with Zamalek ends. Ferreira’s decision to keep him on the roster and even grant a penalty opportunity added fuel to the controversy when the spot kick was missed in the second half against Deka Daa Somalia in Africa’s Confederation Cup.
Negotiations over a four-year deal have stalled, with a requested signing bonus of about 5 million pounds becoming a sticking point, slowing progress at the negotiating table with Sayed’s representatives. A decisive meeting between Zamalek leadership and the player’s agent sought to finalize terms before the sporting director’s deadline.
