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Ahead of Zamalek vs Masry: Coaches Lay It On the Line in CAF Confederation Cup Showdown

24 January 2026

Ahead of Zamalek vs Masry: Key Quotes and Tactical Hopes

Mu'tamed Gamal, Zamalek's head coach, said Sunday's clash with Masry in the CAF Confederation Cup is crucial for both clubs.

Speaking at a press conference, the Zamalek coach said: 'We are ambitious to win and top the group, and beating Masry in Cairo's Cup is positive because we studied their strengths and weaknesses together today'.

And he added: 'We face injuries like Fattouh and Gaber, but we are ready and will play with spirit and resolve tonight.'

He noted that he fielded many young players in the Cairo Cup matches, expressing confidence in the rising youngsters and satisfaction at the internationals' return to deliver a showing.

And, reportedly, Mahmoud Hamdi 'El-Wenesh', Zamalek defender, said the team prepared seriously for Masry, noting that Cairo Cup participation aimed to ready the side for commitments.

And he added: 'Zamalek faces spell; everyone bears responsibility and wants to prove themselves by staying in team.'

And he concluded: 'I cannot guarantee the team benefits from the break due to key players missing or injuries, but the side is ready and aims to win.'

By contrast, Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki of Masry acknowledged difficulty of facing Zamalek.

He explained that his side aims to win to edge closer to official quarterfinal qualification, noting continental preparation differs from domestic league setup.

He noted that Salah Mohsen and Khaled Sobhi have much to offer Masry today.

He emphasized the team will face heavy pressure soon and hopes to seal progress early to the CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinals.

Masry defender Khaled Sobhi said players are focused and everyone is striving to retain the top spot together.

He stressed Masry aims to go far in the CAF Confederation Cup, noting wearing the Masry jersey is honor for any player with a club and fans.

And he ended: 'We strive to give all to delight fans.'

Punchline: If football were chess, tonight's match would be a scrum with a queen.

Punchline 2: My GPS would get lost trying to map these formations.

Author

Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Mu'tamed Gamal say about the match?

He called the game crucial for both clubs and aimed to top the group.

Which players were mentioned as injuries or absences?

Ahmed Fattouh, Omar Gaber, Nabil Emad Dengaa, and Abdullah Sayed were noted as significant absences.

What did El-Wenesh say about preparation?

He said the team prepared seriously for Masry and that Cairo Cup participation was to ready the side for upcoming commitments.

What did Kouki emphasize about Masry's outlook?

He stressed the difficulty of the fixture and the aim to win to approach official quarterfinal qualification, noting continental prep differs from domestic league play.