Zamalek's goalkeeper rotation sparks controversy ahead of CAF Confederation Cup clash

Lineup and GK drama ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup clash

Kooora has learned from its own sources that Ahmed Abdul-Roof, the head coach of Zamalek, decided to drop goalkeeper Mohamed Awad from the squad for the Kaizer Chiefs clash in South Africa after the player publicly objected to not starting.

The technical staff opted to rely on Mohamed Sobhi in the starting XI, with Mahmoud El Shenawy as the sole substitute in goal.

This decision came just minutes before kickoff as Zamalek prepared to face Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium in the second group stage game of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The lineup for Zamalek was as follows: goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi; defense Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Hamdi El Wenesh, Hossam Abdel Majid, Omar Jaber; midfield Mohamed Ismail, Mohamed Shahat, Nasser Maher; attack Shiko Banza, Seif El Jaziry, Juan Pizera. On the bench were Mahmoud El Shenawy, Mahmoud Bentaig, Baron Oshing, Mahmoud Gedah, Seif Jaafar, Abdel Hamid Maali, Adam Kaid, Ahmed Sharif, Addi Al Dabagh.

The omission of Mohamed Awad adds fuel to the ongoing debate about the goalkeeper position at Zamalek, especially given the persistent issues in this position in recent times.