Zamalek Gears Up for Smouha Clash Amid Key Player Absences

Cairo — Zamalek’s first team is gearing up to face Smouha in the third round of the Egypt Capital Cup. The match is scheduled to take place at the Arab Contractors Stadium.

The highly anticipated clash between Zamalek and Smouha is set for Thursday evening at 8:00 PM local time. Zamalek enters the fixture following a 2-1 victory over Haras El Hodoud in their previous outing, preceded by a 3-3 draw against Kahrabaa El Ismaileya.

The team resumed training on Monday, following a brief rest period granted by the technical staff, led by coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf, after their win against Haras El Hodoud.

Zamalek will contend with several key absences for the upcoming match. Among those sidelined due to injury are Abdullah El Said, Nabil Emad Dunga, and Ahmed Rabie. The participation of Nasser Maher remains uncertain.

Furthermore, Mohamed El Sayed has been frozen from the squad due to an ongoing contract renewal dispute, while Ahmed Hamdi has been excluded from the coaching staff’s plans.

The team will also be without five players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Ahmed Fattouh, Mohamed Sobhi, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Mohamed Shehata, and Mohamed Ismail. For more information on Egyptian football, visit the Egyptian Football Association.