Derby Drama: Zamalek’s Boss Declares Nasser Maher ’In Line’ as Super Cup Fever Mounts in UAE

Preparation Focus

Ahmed Abdul-Raouf, head coach of Zamalek, outlined a two-pronged approach ahead of the Egyptian Super Cup final against Al Ahly in the United Arab Emirates. The first aim is to secure a place in the final, particularly after a tough semi-final win against Pyramids which went to penalties following a goalless 90 minutes. The second aim is to lift the trophy, a prize Zamalek has chased with relentless energy this season. He stressed that the groundwork for the match must be meticulous and that every training session is fine-tuned to the derby’s demands, which always comes with pressure, drama, and a few referee decisions to debate later on.

In practical terms, the squad has worked on strengthening transitions, maintaining defensive discipline, and sharpening the finishing touches that can make the difference in a one-off final. The coaching staff is also balancing focus between the upcoming clash and preserving freshness for potential extra time, if needed. The mood in camp, Abdul-Raouf added, is businesslike but buoyant, with players aware that a single trophy could define a season and satisfy a long-standing club hunger.

Maher and The National Team Talk

The coach also touched on the ongoing national-team discussion around Nasser Maher, who was overlooked by the national coach when naming the squad. Abdul-Raouf said Maher has every right to feel disappointed, and he personally regrets not seeing him selected. He stressed that Maher has not deviated from the team’s plan or the direction of his club during training. The midfielder, he added, is among the best players in Egypt and has shown forms in the last three matches that merit a bright showing in the final if he is called upon. The behind-the-scenes debate about selection underscores how delicate a balance exists between club form and international duty ahead of a pivotal year for the Pharaohs.

Abdul-Raouf insisted that Maher remains a professional and that his absence from the squad does not diminish his importance to Zamalek. The coach’s comments aimed to calm any potential rift and to keep Maher fully focused on the upcoming big night in the UAE. It’s a reminder that, in this country, club loyalties and national pride often intertwine in the most dramatic ways, especially around a trophy as prestigious as the Super Cup.

Final Setup, Injuries, and Bezera

On the tactical plane, Abdul-Raouf said there was no need for a wholesale shift in approach after the semi-final. He argued that big teams adapt their styles, but Zamalek must remain faithful to the methods that have brought them this far. He did, however, acknowledge that Bezera could feature if he is fully fit, noting that the final decision will be made after the last training session. The rest of the squad is in good shape, and the manager emphasized that the team’s core remains cohesive and confident heading into a clash with Al Ahly, a fixture that regularly tests nerve as much as ability.

The captain, Omar Jaber, along with veteran defenders and the medical staff, were highlighted for their leadership in the run-up to kickoff. Abdul-Raouf praised the defensive organization and noted that every player understands the match’s magnitude. Injury updates will be finalized after the final training session, with the aim of presenting a full-strength lineup for the final whistle’s whistle-to-goal intensity.

In the broader context, the final is part of a weekend of football that includes the security of a two-team battle that defines an era in Cairo football and tests UAE-hosted hospitality, arrangements, and fan expectations. The manager’s optimism rests on a blend of experience and youth, paired with a tactical discipline that keeps the team aligned with their long-term goals while chasing the trophy that has eluded them in recent seasons.

As the national federation released a larger squad list for November preparations in the UAE, Abdul-Raouf stressed the link between domestic form and international readiness, arguing that the best players need to be in the pool for both campaigns while maintaining discipline and focus. The list includes a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers, with several Zamalek players named among the midfielders and forwards, underscoring the interplay between club success and national aspirations.

Final reflections from the press conference underscored the longstanding rivalry and the UAE’s role as a neutral stage where the two Cairo giants write another chapter in their storied history. No matter the tactical nuances or selection chatter, the game is poised to deliver a showpiece that will live long in the memory of fans around the world.

Punchline 1: If nerves were a formation, tonight’s lineup would be a full 4-1-4-1 with anxiety as the defensive midfielder—the kind of performance that makes even the ball nervous.

Punchline 2: They say football is a simple game, but the final has more twists than a spy thriller—keep your popcorn ready, because the drama is coming in hot.