Zamalek's Interim Reboot: 21-Player Squad Named for Cairo Showdown with El Geish
1 November 2025
Zamalek names a 21-man squad for the Cairo clash with El Geish
The interim coaching staff of Zamalek, led by Ahmed Abdul-Raouf, announced the official 21-player squad to face Tala'ea El Gaish in the 13th round of the Egyptian Premier League at Cairo International Stadium.
The list brings together core players and new signings, including some names expected to impact the game while others are sidelined due to fitness issues or ongoing contract talks.
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Sobhi – Mehdi Suleiman
Defenders: Omar Jaber – Mahmoud Hamdi El-Wenesh – Hossam Abdul Majid – Mohamed Ismail – Ahmed Fattouh – Mahmoud Bentaik
Midfielders: Nabil Emad Donja – Ahmed Rabee – Mohamed Shahat– Seif Jafar – Abdullah El-Saeed – Ahmed Hamdi – Nasser Maher – Abdul Hamid Maaly – Shiko Banza – Juan Bizera
Forwards: Addi Debagh – Seif El-Jaziri – Amr Nasser
The squad also reflects notable absences, including the young Mohamed El-Sayed, whose contract renewal has been a major talking point in recent days. Fans had vocally urged change after a controversial missed penalty in a prior match, and negotiations over a signing bonus reportedly complicated the talks.
Additionally, players Adam Kaid, Ahmed Sharif, and Nasser Monsi were left out due to not being fully match-ready or due to ongoing rehabilitation from injuries. The absence of international goalkeeper Mohamed Awad continues the team’s reliance on Mohamed Sobhi in goal.
The match against Tala'ea El Gaish is viewed as a true test for the side to regain momentum, climb the league table, and restore confidence among supporters amid off-field distractions.
It also marks the first game in Zamalek’s transitional period after the departure of Ferreira, with caretaker Ahmed Abdul-Raouf receiving backing from club icons like Hazem Emam and Imad Al-Mandooh.
The aim of the clash is to halt a points drought that has stretched across 11 games, with 14 points dropped, and to re-ignite ambitions for a strong finish to the phase before any upcoming cup commitments.
Numbers, as they say, rarely lie: the board’s decision to end the Ferreira era followed a technical review showing a dip in performance and results. The White Knights needed a fresh spark to transform draws into wins and to fix issues in the final third, where the attack had looked off-beat since the season’s start.
The final call came after a decisive phone conversation between club vice-president Hisham Nasr and the coach, formally ending the relationship and allowing the team to enter this transitional phase with renewed focus.
With the squad announced, Zamalek now faces a critical period: a chance to reset, prove their mettle, and reestablish themselves in the league standings, all while navigating the broader uncertainties that come with a change in management.
Punchline time: If football were a scavenger hunt, Zamalek just handed in a map that says, “Find the goals,” but the players forgot to read the legend. Another: the only thing sharper than the coach’s whistle might be the fans’ jokes—their chants come with built-in comedy credits, and hey, at least the referee can’t argue with punchlines.
