Egyptian legend Mahmoud Shikabala and Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri will be leading Zamalek ahead of their campaigns in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup and CAF Super Cup.
The 38-year-old Shikabala, who came through the ranks of the White Knights in 2002, will play a crucial role as Zamalek looks to secure another CAF title, beginning with their round of 32 clash against Kenya’s Police FC.
Zamalek, who have already etched their name in the history books with two CAF Confederation Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, are entering this year’s competition as defending champions.
They will be facing a determined KenyaPolice FC side, who advanced to this stage after a gritty performance in the previous round, edging out their Ethiopian Coffee with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
The first leg of the round of 32 ties is set to be played on September 13 at Nyayo National Stadium with the return leg scheduled for September 20 in Cairo.
Mahmoud Bentayeg will miss the initial Confederation Cup tie against Police FC due to registration constraints. However, Bentayeg will be available for the highly anticipated CAF Super Cup Cairo Derby against Al Ahly on September 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Among the four goalkeepers, Mohamed Awad, Mohamed Sobhy, Mahmoud El Shenawy, and Omar Abdelaziz will be vying for the starting spot, with Awad and Sobhy likely to be the frontrunners due to their experience.
In defense, Zamalek’s backbone has Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh” and Ahmed Fetouh. These defenders, along with the likes of Omar Gaber and Hossam Abdelmeguid, will be expected to keep Police FC’s attacking threats at bay.
The midfield, often considered the engine room of any successful team, is stacked with talent and experience. Club icon Shikabala will be pulling the strings in the middle of the park, supported by dynamic players like Abdallah El Said, Nasser Maher, and Ahmed Hamdy.
Zamalek fans will also be looking forward to the contributions of Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” who has been instrumental in Zamalek’s recent successes.
The midfield options are rounded out by Nabil Emad “Dunga,” Ziad Kamal, Mohamed Shehata, Mostafa Shalaby, Ahmed Abdelrehim, Sayed Abdallah “Neymar,” Mohamed Atef, and Mohamed El Sayed.
Upfront, Seifeddine Jaziri will lead the attack, with support from the promising talents of Naser Maher, Samson, and Hossam Ashraf. Jaziri, known for his clinical finishing and physical presence, will be key in breaking down the Police FC defense, especially in the crucial away leg.
Zamalek’s first-round exemption in the Confederation Cup due to their status as defending champions has allowed them to prepare extensively for the challenges ahead.
The CAF Super Cup clash against arch-rivals Al Ahly later in September adds an extra layer of intensity to Zamalek’s September schedule.
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Awad, Mohamed Sobhy, Mahmoud El Shenawy and Omar Abdelaziz.
Defenders: Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh”, Ahmed Fetouh, Omar Gaber, Hossam Abdelmeguid, Mostafa El Zenary, Hamza El Mathlouthy, Ahmed Mahmoud, Hassan Abou El Maaty, Mahmoud Bentayg and Ahmed Magdy.
Midfielders: Abdallah El Said, Nasser Maher, Shikabala, Ahmed Hamdy, Ahmed Sayez Zizo, Nabil Emad “Dunga”, Ziad Kamal, Mohamed Shehata, Mostafa Shalaby, Ahmed Abdelrehim, Sayed Abdallah “Neymar”, Mohamed Atef and Mohamed El Sayed.
Forwards: Naser Maher, Samson, Hossam Ashraf and Seifeddine Jaziri.
