Zamalek Star Still Benched as John Edward Holds the Line
9 January 2026
Status Update: Ahmed Hamdi Remains Excluded
Sources inside Zamalek confirm that Ahmed Hamdi, the team's midfielder, continues to be sidelined from the squad ahead of the Egypt Cup fifth-round clash with ZED on Sunday.
The club told Kooora in an exclusive interview that Hamdi’s absence persists, with the disciplinary decision issued by sports director John Edward remaining in place following the incident with former coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf.
Disciplinary Policy Still In Effect
The ongoing exclusion stems from a disciplinary measure taken after a confrontation with the former coach during a training session. The club has reiterated that Hamdi will not return to training or the matchday squad while the sanction stands, even though Abdel-Raouf has left and interim coach Moataz Gamal has temporarily taken charge.
Hamdi's ban is part of the club's broader push to restore order and discipline within the squad, a move fans hope will translate into improved performances on the pitch.
On the Horizon: Next Steps and Context
Officials say the decision aims to restore stability and confidence as the team approaches the test against ZED, viewed as a real gauge of the squad's readiness for the rest of the season.
The clash is framed as an opportunity to demonstrate unity and regain momentum after a difficult spell for the club.
With Hamdi out, midfield dynamics will shift, and supporters will be watching closely to see if the leadership under interim coach Gamal can yield a favorable result in the Egypt Cup.
Sniper line 1: If discipline were a goal, Hamdi would be topping the charts—just not on the field.
Sniper line 2: The club’s new tactic? bench the star until patience becomes the starting XI formation.
