Egypt: Yannick Ferreira drops Chico Banza and Seifeddine Jaziri ahead of Ismaily clash

Zamalek head coach Yannick Ferreira has made two surprise omissions just hours before his side’s Egyptian Premier League encounter against Ismaily at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium.

The Belgian tactician has left out Angolan winger Chico Banza for disciplinary reasons after the player returned late to Cairo from a family-related trip.

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over Banza’s commitment, with Ferreira making it clear that discipline within the squad remains non-negotiable.

In addition, Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri has also been dropped from the travelling squad, although in his case the decision was based on technical grounds.

Ferreira is believed to be exploring alternative attacking options as Zamalek aim to maintain momentum in the domestic competition.

The high-profile exclusions were confirmed on Thursday, only hours before kick-off in the seventh round of the league.

Zamalek, buoyed by a commanding 3-0 victory against Al-Masry in their previous match, had been expected to field a strong side against Ismaily.

However, Ferreira’s latest selection choices underline his willingness to make bold calls, even if it means sidelining experienced players.

Banza’s absence is particularly significant given the club’s ongoing issues on the wings.

Signed with hopes of strengthening Zamalek’s attack, the Angolan has yet to deliver consistent performances and now faces additional pressure to prove his value when reinstated.

His late return has only compounded concerns about his reliability in a squad striving for stability.

Meanwhile, Jaziri’s exclusion highlights the competitive nature of Ferreira’s frontline options.

The Tunisian forward, once a regular starter, has struggled to impose himself in recent outings, with critics pointing to a dip in form.

Ferreira’s decision to leave him out suggests a shift in tactical priorities as Zamalek prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.

Supporters will be watching closely to see how these changes affect Zamalek’s performance against Ismaily.

The club currently seeks to build consistency in the league after an uneven start to the campaign, and Ferreira’s tough stance may signal an effort to restore focus and discipline within the squad.

For Banza and Jaziri, the message is clear: competition for places at Zamalek remains fierce, and only those who meet the coach’s standards—both on and off the pitch—will secure their spot in the line-up.