When the Sidelined Strike Back: Zamalek’s South Africa Trek for the Confederation Cup Showdown
25 November 2025
Context ahead of the clash
The Zamalek delegation leaves Cairo tonight, led by board member Ahmed Khaled Hassanin, heading to South Africa for a crucial CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match against Kaiser Chiefs. The White Knights will be visitors on Saturday, November 29, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
Injury shock and squad plans
Before departure, the coaching staff received bad news about Abdullah El-Saeed, who suffered an injury in the most recent ZESCO Zambian fixture. Medical tests confirmed a hamstring tear, meaning he will begin rehabilitation immediately and will miss the South Africa trip and the upcoming match.
The injury to El-Saeed is a significant blow to the midfield, especially as other squad members are also unavailable for various reasons. Zamalek’s path to victory becomes a test of depth and quick tactical adaptation.
Travel squad to South Africa
The coaching staff, led by Ahmed Abdel-Raouf, announced a 22-player traveling squad for the Kaiser Chiefs clash, detailing the following lineup: Goalkeepers: Mohamed Awead, Mohamed Sobhi, Mahmoud El-Shenawy. Defenders: Omar Gaber, Barone Oshining, Mahmoud Hamdi "El-Wenesh", Hossam Abdel Megid, Mohamed Ismail, Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Bentayg. Midfielders: Mohamed Shahat, Mahmoud Ghadah, Saif Jaafar, Nasser Maher, Abd Al-Hamid Maali, Ahmed Sharif, Adam Kaid, Shiko Banza, Juan Pizarra. Forwards: Adi Al-Dabagh, Saif Al-Zaeri, Amr Nasser.
Ad-Dabagh’s return after national duty
Abd Al-Nasser Mohamed, the club’s football manager, confirmed that Palestinian striker Adi Al-Dabagh will join the squad in South Africa on Wednesday after obtaining approval to participate with Palestine in their Arab Cup qualifier against Libya. The arrangement was coordinated with the Palestinian national team, emphasizing the strong ties between club and country.
Injuries and absentees you should know
The delegation assembled at Cairo International Airport ahead of the trip to South Africa for the second group-stage match. The squad seeks to cement their lead in the group after an opening victory over ZESCO United. A lengthy injury list hit the squad, along with administrative and technical reasons for some absences.
Key missing players include Nabil Emad Donja, sidelined with a knee ligament sprain from the ZESCO match, and Abdullah El-Saeed due to the hamstring tear. Ahmed Rabie is out with groin strain, and Salah Al-Maddad, Mohamed Al-Sayed Mohamed, and several others are unavailable for administrative or technical reasons. Four players were excluded for technical reasons: Mahdi Suleiman, Ahmed Hamdi, Ishn, and Nasser Munshi.
The coaching staff will need quick, tactical adjustments to offset the midfield losses in the lead-up to the crucial African encounter on Saturday.
Management boosted the players’ morale before departure, with Ahmed Khaled Hassanin and John Edward, the club’s sporting director, personally greeting the squad at Cairo airport and expressing full confidence in a positive result in South Africa.
