Latest news with #Ahmed'Zizo'Sayed
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zamalek exit Confederation Cup after losing at home to Stellenbosch - Egyptian Football
Defending champions Zamalek were stunned 1-0 at Cairo Stadium by unknown South African side Stellenbosch in the second leg of the Confederation Cup quarter-finals, exiting the competition alongside compatriots Masry, who were also eliminated earlier on Wednesday. Stellenbosch forward Sihle Nduli netted the winner with ten minutes remaining, silencing the crowd and adding to the pain of the team's fans, who were already reeling from the reported departure of classy winger Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed to archrivals Ahly. Despite their advantage from a goalless away draw last Wednesday, Zamalek failed to impress during the match, as their opponents—participating in the continental competition for the first time in the club's history—were the better side throughout the full 90 minutes. Zamalek created only two scoring chances during the game. The first came in the 30th minute when Seif Jaziri connected with Ahmed Fatouh's cross from the left flank, but he failed to place the ball well, allowing the goalkeeper to collect it easily. The second chance occurred in the early minutes of the second half, but the Tunisian striker also missed from close range, sending his shot wide. The visitors, appearing more organized and fresher on the field, punished Zamalek with a deserved goal in the 79th minute, thanks to Sihle Nduli's shot from inside the box. In response to the shock of conceding, Zamalek attempted to intensify their attacks, but their shy efforts lacked focus. As the final whistle blew, the players exited the field to angry chants from their frustrated fans. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Preview: Zamalek seek Confederation Cup semis amid ‘Zizo' saga - Egyptian Football
Zamalek will look to secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals when they host South Africa's Stellenbosch at Cairo Stadium on Wednesday in the second leg of the competition's quarter-finals, albeit without their star player, Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed, who has been dropped from the squad. The defending champions managed to hold Stellenbosch to a goalless draw in the first leg last week in Cape Town, putting them in a favorable position to reach the next round at home. The White Knights are experiencing a nervy week, with reports suggesting that their star player, Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed, whose contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this season, has signed with archrivals Ahly. These reports have marred Zamalek's preparations for the game, especially given the unclear fate of the player, who has remained tight-lipped about his future in recent days. However, Zizo came forward on Tuesday to deny all reports regarding his possible departure, stressing that he is waiting for the club to meet his financial demands and renew his contract. Just minutes later, in a surprising move, Zamalek announced that the 29-year-old winger had been dropped from the squad which will play on Wednesday, with sources revealing that the decision was made after the club confirmed Zizo's signature with Ahly. In Zizo's absence, the Portuguese coach José Peseiro will rely on veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said and talented fullback Mahmoud Bentayg. El-Said missed the first leg due to a back injury, while Bentayg was absent due to administrative issues. 'The return of players like El-Said gives us control and experience in key moments,' Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awwad said during Tuesday's press conference. 'We've prepared well, and the whole team is focused on reaching the next round.' Zamalek won the Confederation Cup last season at the expense of Morocco's RS Berkane and are seeking back-to-back continental titles for the first time in the club's history. Stellenbosch are appearing in their first CAF quarter-finals and are bracing for a charged atmosphere in Cairo. Coach Steve Barker acknowledged the significance of the occasion but insisted his players are ready for the challenge. 'Facing a club like Zamalek at a stadium like this is a privilege,' Barker said. 'We know what to expect from the crowd, and we need to play smart and start well to quiet the energy early.' The winner will face either Masry (Egypt) or Simba (Tanzania) in the semifinals. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CairoScene
23-03-2025
- Sport
- CairoScene
Egypt Faces Sierra Leone in World Cup Qualifier After Win Vs Ethiopia
A win could bring Egypt to 16 points, reinforcing their lead in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Mar 23, 2025 Egypt is set to face Sierra Leone in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, March 25th at Cairo International Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 PM local time. In their previous qualifier, Egypt secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, with goals from Mohamed Salah and Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed. This win solidified their lead in Group A, where they currently stand with 13 points from five matches. A victory against Sierra Leone would increase their tally to 16 points, bringing them closer to securing a spot in the World Cup. Sierra Leone enters the match following a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau, placing them third in the group with 8 points, equal to second-placed Burkina Faso but behind on goal difference. The Egyptian squad, under the guidance of coach Hossam Hassan, hopes to maintain their momentum by capitalising on their home field advantage. Sierra Leone, led by newly appointed coach Mohamed Kallon, will seek to build on their recent success to challenge the group's frontrunners.
Al-Ahram Weekly
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Zamalek beat error-prone Gouna to move up to second in the Egyptian League standings - Egyptian Football
Zamalek secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Gouna on Monday to move up to the second place of the Egyptian Premier League just one point behind leaders Pyramids FC. Currently occupying the second spot on the table with 20 points, Zamalek shares this position with Ahly who were held by Pyramids FC on Sunday On the other hand, Gouna remains rooted at the bottom of the table with a mere six points to their name. Nasser Mansi kickstarted Zamalek's dominance with an early goal, heading in a precise assist from winger Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed from within the penalty area just eight minutes into the game. Gouna's Ahmed Hossam managed to pull one back for his side, nodding in a header from close range to level the score eight minutes before halftime. The visitors paid for their mistakes in the second half that saw a complete domination from Zamalek. Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri came off the bench in the 62nd minute only to score one minute later capitalizing on a rebound from the Gouna goalkeeper Mohamed Alaa within the penalty area to restore the Whites' lead. Abdallah El Said further extended Zamalek's lead by capitalizing on a critical error by the Gouna goalkeeper in the 73rd minute. The goalkeeper strayed from his area to intercept the ball but inadvertently directed it towards the unmarked Zamalek winger, who promptly dispatched it into the empty net. In injury time, Jaziri was left alone in the six yards to slot home his second of the night and his team's fourth. Zamalek's next challenge awaits them against Pyramids FC in the 11th matchday of the Egyptian League on Friday. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Short link:
