Fan Fury and Final Frenzy: Zizo Under Fire Before the Egyptian Super Cup

Fan Fury Ahead of the Egyptian Super Cup

Stadium sections roared as Zamalek supporters unleashed a fierce, sustained barrage at Ahmed Mustafa, known as Zizo, the club’s former star who recently joined archrival Al Ahly.

The white-clad crowd directed a vehement assault on Zizo, expressing deep anger at his decision to transfer to the rival club.

Chants and banners targeted Zizo directly, with the memorable line "The hungry Zizo" signaling a critique of greed and switching allegiances for money.

In Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Zamalek prepared to face Al Ahly in the Egyptian Super Cup final. White Knights’ coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf made several lineup tweaks following the semifinal victory over Pyramids, which had been decided by penalties.

The coach chose to start with the trio Abdullah El-Said, Saif Jaafar, and Chico Banza, who had come on as substitutes in the previous round against Pyramids.

Lineup for Zamalek included a standard setup: goalkeeper, a back four, a midfield trio, and a front three, with several substitutes listed as reserve options for the crucible clash.

On the bench, Mehdi Soliman, Hesam Abdel-Majeed, Salah Miskad, Ahmed Rabee, Ahmed Hamdi, Ahmed Sherif, Juan Pizera, Seif El-Jaziri, and Addi Al-Dabbagh were named, ready to answer the call if needed.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly, under Danish coach Jes Turup, kept faith with the same lineup that beat Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 in the semifinal, signaling a preference for stability in a high-pressure final.

Al Ahly’s starting XI featured a trusted goalkeeper, a solid defensive line, a compact midfield, and a forward line tasked with translating control into goals as they pursued a domestic double and continued continental ambitions.

As the two teams prepared for kickoff, the pre-match atmosphere blended excitement with tension, underscoring how much the Super Cup means in a heated Cairo rivalry.

What did Zizo bring to Zamalek over the years? He arrived from Moreirense in January 2019 and quickly cemented his place, becoming a favorite for several coaches thanks to his skill, speed, and precision from set pieces. He finished among the club’s top scorers and played a pivotal role in domestic triumphs.

Across recent seasons, Zizo helped Zamalek win the league twice in a row, alongside Egypt Cup and the Egyptian Super Cup, and he led the league’s scoring charts in 2021-2022. Africa-wise, he shone in the CAF Champions League, contributing goals and assists and guiding the team to CAF Confederation Cup glory in 2019 and 2024.

His achievements also include a CAF Super Cup title with Zamalek before making a blockbuster move to their traditional foe, Al Ahly, intensifying a rivalry already charged with emotion.

The core of the dispute between Zamalek and Zizo centers on two main tracks. First, Zizo allegedly pushing for substantial late payments—reported as up to 80 million pounds or more—rooted in contract terms, taxes, and late fees. Second, Zamalek’s counterclaim denies any owed sums, arguing that final accounts show no debt.

Zamalek has escalated the matter by filing a counter-claim accusing the player of training interruptions in the past, which could trigger penalties under internal rules and reduce the sums claimed.

The club also contends that Zizo owes money to the club due to advertising engagements, with those amounts supposed to be deducted from any final award owed to him.

As the two sides exchange accusations, the financial feud between Zamalek and Zizo emerges as a landmark case in Egyptian transfers. The federation’s ruling will be decisive: either compel the club to pay a hefty sum or vindicate the club’s position, potentially shaping precedent for future cases in this tangled saga.

Punchlines to close with a wink: If money talks, this final might need subtitles. And if Zizo tries to cash in, at least the trophy has better insurance than some contracts—because the only thing heavier than this case could be the weight of the fans’ chants when the whistle blows.