Zamalek Taps Portuguese Analytics Guru to Sharpen Edge Ahead of CAF Cup Opener
22 November 2025
New Portuguese analytics addition strengthens Zamalek's coaching staff
At the request of the club's board led by Hussein Labib and in coordination with sports director John Edward, the Portuguese Fabio Nuno was appointed as the team\'s performance analyst. This move aims to support the technical staff ahead of upcoming fixtures and provide deeper analysis of opponents and players, a bit like giving the team a high-tech pair of glasses.
Starting the role and CAF Confederation Cup opener prep
Nuno began his duties officially with the White Knights, bringing experience in technical and tactical analysis as the team gears up for their CAF Confederation Cup group stage opener against ZESCO United from Zambia. Zamalek will host ZESCO at Cairo International Stadium at 9 pm on Sunday, forming Group D with Al-Masry and Kaizer Chiefs.
Chico Banza returns and squad readiness
Angolan forward Chico Banza rejoined the group training on Saturday at the Military Academy Stadium, returning to Cairo after obtaining official clearance following the death of his brother.
Coaches and players react
Head coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf stressed the difficulty of Group D and the need to respect every opponent. He highlighted that Zamalek is a club with a rich history and will fight for each victory and to show a level befitting the club’s tradition.
He also addressed injuries and squad rotation, noting that three matches in ten days forced some absences but that the rest of the squad is ready for the next match. He praised the goalkeepers Mohamed Sobhi and Mohamed Awad as the current number ones.
Absence of foreign players and support for local coaches
The coach clarified the reasons behind some missing foreign players, mentioning Banza's brother's death and Oyunch Baron's travel delays, and emphasizing that each case is treated individually. He called for patience and support for Egyptian coaches, arguing they deserve time to prove themselves.
Captain Omar Jaber on the opener and group dynamics
Captain Omar Jaber expressed condolences to fans and the team family for the loss, saying the ZESCO game will be a decisive start in the tournament. He noted that two league games remain before the international break and that a strong start could shape the group standings.
ZESO United preview and the challenge ahead
Mathews Ndolof, ZESCO\'s coach, declared the team fully prepared and aware of the magnitude of the clash against Zamalek. He recalled past meetings and stressed the need to perform at their best in a hostile Cairo atmosphere. He welcomed the opportunity to test themselves against big clubs in the group and said every point counts toward progress.
Ndolof also thanked fans for the warm welcome in Egypt as the teams prepare to face off.
Punchline 1: If football were a sniper rifle, Nuno just loaded a laser-guided shot at every opponent.
Punchline 2: Zamalek\'s defense now has a password: \"Strong, reliable, and no buffering during a counter-attack.\"
