Zamalek’s Spirit Shines: Coach Defends Team After Narrow CAF Confederation Cup Win
24 November 2025
Match overview
Ahmad Abdul-Rouf, Zamalek’s head coach, expressed gratitude to the fans for a moving tribute to the late Mohamed Sabry during the Zesco United clash. The White Knights fought to a 1-0 victory at Cairo International Stadium in the opening group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, Group D.
Abdul-Raouf stressed that the result, while not flawless, reflected a strong start to the campaign and emphasized that there is no selfishness in the squad. He noted that the first half carried more promise and that adjustments in the second half were meant to preserve the team’s cohesion and players’ health.
Key moments and decisions
The coach acknowledged the return of Mahmoud Gihad after seven months, explaining that his late substitution was a protective measure following a yellow card. He insisted there is no room for overconfidence or ego in a squad facing a tight schedule and upcoming challenges.
Abdul-Raouf highlighted that the team needed more running intensity and improved transitions in the second half, and he cited the absence of Mohamed Sayed due to management’s contract renewal considerations as a factor in tactical planning. He also pointed to the late adjustments that brought in Chico Bana and other players, noting that every decision aimed to safeguard the squad’s balance.
Speaking on personnel choices, he said: “We cannot please everyone with selections, but the force behind the team remains the collective. We must protect our assets and keep the spine intact.”
He insisted there is no selfishness among players and added that due to time constraints he could not conduct one-on-one coaching for every error. The defense of the left flank was addressed, and he pledged to assess injured players ahead of the next fixture against Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa, stressing the importance of keeping Zamalek’s character intact.
Milestones and match events
Enzian goal milestone: Tunisian striker Saifudeen (Seifeddine) Jaziri opened the scoring in the 42nd minute with a precise strike from outside the box, lifting Zamalek and setting them on the path to victory. The goal took him to 48 goals for foreign players in Zamalek history, surpassing Ali Mohsen’s previous record of 47.
The match began with Zamalek pressuring early, with Nasser Maher’s powerful shot above the crossbar and a headed chance by Jaziri that required a save from the Zesco keeper. Zesco responded with a few notable efforts, while the hosts created danger through runs down the wings and shots that narrowly missed the target. Both teams exchanged moments of control as the first half wore on.
In the second period, Abdul-Raouf introduced Abdullah Al-Saeed and other substitutions to boost the midfield and lock down the lead. Injury and fatigue affected the White Knights, with Nabil Emad Donia leaving the field in tears, prompting concerns about a longer layoff. The coach brought on Mahmoud Jihad again after his earlier substitution and shuffled the attack and midfield to maintain balance.
Despite a more open game at times, Zamalek stayed compact defensively and managed to weather several late pushes from Zesco. A late shot from Bezira narrowly missed, and goalkeeper Mohamed Oued made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet before the final whistle.
In the closing minutes, Zamalek’s substitutions—tapping in Chico Bana and Adam Kayed as fresh legs—attempted to inject energy and preserve the lead. Overall, the performance earned the three points while leaving room for improvements as the group stage unfolds.
And now, the team looks ahead with recovery plans for the injured and a clear emphasis on maintaining the club’s identity during a demanding schedule.
Punchline time: If football had a sniper scope, Zamalek’s defense would be the bolt-action—always precise, occasionally silent, and somehow still finding the target in the final minutes. Punchline 2: My fantasy team must be made of iron: after this match, even my jokes stay onside and never offside the punchline.
