When Turmoil Stole the Spotlight: Zamalek’s Super Cup Saga Unfolds in Abu Dhabi
4 November 2025
Background: Tensions Surface as Zamalek Prepares for the Egyptian Super Cup
In a development that underscores more than tactical ploys, Zamalek’s management sparked a fresh crisis ahead of the team’s trip to the United Arab Emirates for the Egyptian Super Cup. The match against Pyramids FC is set for Thursday in Abu Dhabi, but internal divisions threaten to overshadow the showdown.
Staff Shake-Up: Ayman El-Teal Replaced
The club disclosed a surprise move: longtime goalkeeper coach Ayman El-Teal was removed from his duties. The decision has not only trimmed the coaching staff but also laid bare deep rifts within the administration, leaving interim boss Ahmed Abdel-Raouf facing a tricky position as the trip looms.
Sources say the decision to dismiss El-Teal came abruptly, triggering anger from El-Teal himself. He reportedly felt blindsided as the transition unfolded just days before departure to the UAE, a trip that should have been routine for the goalkeeping unit.
El-Teal believes the method of the separation did not honor his contributions, especially after he had shouldered responsibility for the goalkeepers during a challenging period following the departure of the previous coach. The rift appears to reflect broader disagreements within the club’s leadership, adding pressure on the interim staff.
New Coaching Duo Arrives and the Squad List
Later, Zamalek’s board, led by Hussein Labib and working with sport director John Edward, announced the appointment of a Portuguese pair: Vítor Pereira as the new goalkeeper coach and Costa Ribeiro as the fitness coach. They arrived in Abu Dhabi and were expected to join training for the next-day session as the team prepared for the semi-final against Pyramids.
The squad list for the Super Cup was published, including goalkeepers Mohammed Sobhi, Mohamed Awwad, and Mehdi Soliman; defenders Omar Gaber, Baroun Oching, Mahmoud Hamdy "El-Wensh", Hosam Abdel Majid, Mohamed Ismail, Salah Mesdek, Ahmed Fattouh, and Mahmoud Bantayej; midfielders Ahmed Rabee, Mohamed Shahat, Mahmoud Gedah, Saif Jaafar, Ahmed Abdul Rahim "Isho", Abdul Hamid Maali, Ahmed Hamdi, Nasser Maher, Abdul Hamid Maali, Ahmed Sherif, Cheiko Banza, and Juan Bezerra; forwards Adi El-Debagh, Saif El-Zeiri, and Amr Nasser.
The team also held a focused training session in Abu Dhabi, with emphasis on elevating physical load in line with the plan to face Pyramids in the Cup semi-final. The management stressed the importance of readiness as they seek to compete at the highest level in a high-stakes fixture.
Transfer Ban Casts Shadow on the Club
In a development that could derail winter plans, FIFA confirmed a registration ban for Zamalek in the upcoming transfer window due to three new cases in their transfer ban system. The announcement compounds existing legal challenges the club has faced and threatens to hinder squad reinforcement at a time of need.
The federation noted that three new cases surfaced, not previously highlighted, potentially requiring additional undisclosed payments once details are resolved. Amid ongoing legal battles, this ban intensifies pressure on the board to resolve issues and secure the funds needed to strengthen the squad.
Officials say the ban is a worst-case scenario for the club, likely barring any new signings in the January window until cases are settled and obligations paid in full. The restriction could stall vital reinforcements for positions that have been struggling, underscoring the broader risk to the club’s plans.
Note: Two punchlines coming up to brighten the bench-side drama...
Punchline 1: If football has taught us anything, it's that even the passports have more drama than the players—talk about a global transfer window becoming a passport control line.
Punchline 2: Zamalek's plan: win the Super Cup, dodge the transfer ban, and file a motion for more coffee in the locker room—because clearly, the real competition is upstairs in the boardroom, where the real match is played.
