Zamalek Faces Tough Odds Ahead of Pyramids Showdown in the UAE

Ahead of the UAE Showdown

The Zamalek technical staff confirmed the team’s readiness to compete strongly for the Egyptian Super Cup title, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.

Zamalek will face Pyramids in the semi-final on Thursday, at the Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The White Knights enter the match aiming to book a final spot and contend for the trophy, while Pyramids seek to extend their strong form and reach the final.

Key quotes and lineup

During the pre-match briefing, interim coach Ahmed Abdul-Raouf and captain Omar Jaber spoke with confidence despite acknowledging the difficult phase the club is passing through, and they relied on the backing of the fans.

Abdul-Raouf: Zamalek faces tough circumstances

Abdul-Raouf expressed pride in leading the team to the UAE while fully respecting Pyramids, and he stressed that Zamalek’s standing will not be eroded by the current crises.

He noted that Zamalek is going through "difficult circumstances" but said they would use it as motivation to delight the fans, adding: "The ones who stand with the crowd know no fear; our goal is to win the tournament."

He also described the role as a player-coach who believes that guiding a big club is challenging but not daunting, adding that leading such a club gives you strength.

He acknowledged the impact of missing Brazilian Bezera but expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness to cover for any absence.

Abdul-Raouf concluded that God chose him to lead the team, considering it a great honor even if it lasts only 24 hours.

Omar Jaber: Zamalek is always the top contender

Jaber affirmed the match’s importance and noted that Zamalek "is always the favorite" in such clashes, with players aiming to perform in a way that matches the club’s history and support from the fans.

He emphasized that the players have great confidence to delight the fans, despite past hardships, and praised the "Zamalekian" coaching staff and supporters.

Jaber also highlighted the need to focus on two matches for the trophy in the coming days.

New staff additions

The board, led by Hussein Labib and in coordination with the sports director John Edward, appointed Portuguese duo Vitor Pereira as goalkeeping coach and Costa Ribeiro as conditioning coach.

The two arrived at the team's Abu Dhabi lodging and will join the staff from the next training session ahead of the semifinal against Pyramids.

Amidst this, FIFA officially announced a transfer ban on Zamalek due to three new issues in FIFA’s transfer system.

Squad list for the Super Cup

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Sobhi, Mohamed Awwad, Mehdi Soliman.

Defense: Omar Jaber, Baroun Oshing, Mahmoud Hamdi "El-Wensh", Hossam Abdel Majid, Mohamed Ismail, Salah Moudadk, Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Bentaij.

Midfield: Ahmed Rabee, Mohamed Shahat(a), Mahmoud Ghada, Seif Jaafar, Ahmed Abed Rahim "Isho", Abdullah El-Saeed, Ahmed Hamdi, Nasser Maher, Abdulhamid Maali, Ahmed Sharif, Shiko Banza, Juan Bezera.

Attack: Uday Al-Dabagh, Seif El-Geziri, Amr Nasser.

Technical meeting

The technical meeting for Zamalek vs Pyramids determined that Zamalek will wear their white home kit, while the goalkeeper wears a purple kit; Pyramids will wear all-black, with the goalkeeper in orange.

It was also confirmed that penalties would be used if the match ends level after regular time. Officials also noted that the sixth concussion substitution rule is not applied in the tournament and that only five substitutions are allowed across three stoppages in both halves.