Zamalek Honors Late Mohamed Sabry Ahead of CAF Confederation Cup Clash

Tribute to Mohamed Sabry Before Kick-off

At Cairo International Stadium, ahead of Zamalek's CAF Confederation Cup group-stage clash with ZESCO United, a poignant tribute was held for the late Mohamed Sabry, who had passed away a few days earlier. The Whites greeted the stands as they stepped onto the pitch, and captain Omar Jaber presented a jersey bearing Sabry's name and image to the fans as a sign of loyalty to the club's icon.

The fans responded with massive banners bearing Sabry's photo and chants, including the phrase, "He will forever be our legend." In a touching moment, Sabry's words—"We win with our sweat, Sabry"—resurfaced in the crowd. The black-clad supporters carried Sabry's memory on the night, with his son sometimes lifted on shoulders during the celebrations.

Several former Zamalek stars were on the field and in the stands to support the team and pay their respects, among them Osama Nabi, Medhat Abdelhady, Abdel Hamid Maaly, Ayman Abdel Aziz, Hazem Imam, Tarek El-Sayed, and Abdel Hamid Bassiouni. They joined fans as the ceremony continued.

During the match, the chants persisted, and the crowd held up mobile phones in the 12th minute in tribute to Sabry's shirt number and in prayers for him.

Formation of the Zamalek lineup

The coaching staff, led by Ahmed Abdel-Raouf, unveiled a blend of experience and youth. Starting lineup: Goalkeeper Mohamed Awwad; Defense: Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Hamdi "El-Wenash", Hossam Abdel Majid, Omar Jaber; Midfield: Nabil Emad Dounga, Mohamed Shahat, Nasser Maher; Forwards: Ahmed Shreef, Seif El-Jaziri, Juan Bizera. On the bench: Mohamed Sobhi, Baron Oshing, Mahmoud Jihad, Abdel Hamid Maaly, Abdullah El-Said, Adam Kaid, Shiko Banza, Addi El-Dabag, Amr Nasser. CAF later approved a minute of silence and the display of Sabry's image on the arena screens as part of the tribute.

Throughout the game, the crowd continued to honor Sabry with calls and chants, keeping his memory alive as the action unfolded.

Sabry's Legacy with Zamalek

Mohamed Sabry, born in 1974, was a pillar of Zamalek's golden generation in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He won 15 titles with the club, including two Egyptian league titles, two Egyptian Cups, and three Egyptian Super Cups, alongside continental glory with three CAF Champions Leagues, one CAF Cup, three CAF Super Cups, and one Afro-Asian Cup.

He shared the pitch with other legends such as Ahmed El Kass and Hazem Imam, cementing his place in the "golden generation" of Zamalek. After a brief spell with Kuwaiti club Kazma, he returned to Egypt, later moving to the Egyptian Premier League and eventually turning to coaching and talent spotting, notably discovering Mustafa Fathi.

In later years, Sabry worked as a broadcaster and football analyst for the club's channel, combining club loyalty with professional respect. His devotion to Zamalek led him to decline offers from rivals in 1996 and to remain a symbol of allegiance until his passing.