Zamalek triumphed as the Dubai Challenge Cup champions after securing a resounding 3-0 victory over Saudi side Ahly Jeddah in the final.
The scorers for Zamalek included Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala,” Youssef Ibrahim “Obama,” and Amr Yasser.
The path to victory began for Zamalek by defeating Raja Casablanca last Friday in a penalty shootout after the original time ended 2-2.
Currently in their camp in the United Arab Emirates, Zamalek is gearing up for the second half of the ongoing season.
Raja Casablanca secured the third position by defeating Wuhan of China with a score of 1-0.
Shikabala received two accolades, being named the best player of the tournament and the top scorer after netting two goals against both Raja Casablanca and Ahly Jeddah.
Lineup and Match Highlights
Coach Moutamed Gamal maintained the same lineup with a single change, introducing Omar Gaber instead of Hamza Mathlouthi.
Before kick-off, Mohamed Abdel-Shafi was honored for his previous accomplishments with both teams.
The match showcased impressive moments, starting with Mohamed Awad’s crucial save in the 8th minute, diverting a powerful airborne shot into a corner.
Two minutes later, Nabil Emad responded with a strong ground shot that narrowly missed the post.
In the 28th minute, Zamalek’s Samson capitalized on his strong pressure on defenders, snatching the ball and unleashing a powerful shot just wide of the post.
Shikabala electrified the stadium in the 31st minute, receiving a ball inside the penalty area, skillfully outmaneuvering the defender, and scoring a goal.
The first half concluded with Zamalek leading 1-0, thanks to Shikabala’s goal.
شيكابالا يفتتح التسجيل للزمالك في الدقيقة 30#أهلي جدة 0 × 1 #الزمالك#كأس_دبي_للتحدي pic.twitter.com/IWndILCaYm
— قناة دبي الرياضية (@dubaisportstv) January 28, 2024
At the beginning of the second half, Moutamed Gamal introduced Mahmoud Alaa and Ibrahima N’Diaye instead of Mahmoud Hamdi “El Wensh” and Shikabala, respectively.
On the other side, Frenchman Alain Maximilian led changes for Ahly Jeddah, substituting all 11 players in the second half.
Youssef Obama swiftly added the second goal in the 47th minute, benefiting from Akinniola’s pressure on the Ahly defender, intercepting the ball, and providing a pass to Obama, who scored after a one-on-one.
أوباما يضيف الهدف الثاني للزمالك مع بداية الشوط الثاني#أهلي_جدة 0 × 2 #الزمالك#كأس_دبي_للتحدي pic.twitter.com/IKH7zDASlv
— قناة دبي الرياضية (@dubaisportstv) January 28, 2024
In the 56th minute, the referee issued a red card to Ali Majrashi of Ahly Jeddah after a foul on Nabil Emad, sparking a heated altercation between the two teams.
Mohamed Awad’s left post denied Fahd Al-Rashidi’s header in the 64th minute.
Obama missed an opportunity to add the third goal in the 72nd minute with a shot that sailed over the crossbar.
Mohamed El Sayed and Nasser Mansy joined the game, replacing Akinniola and Nabil Emad in the 74th minute.
Amr Yasser entered the pitch for Mostafa Shalaby in the 84th minute, followed by another change with Mohamed Hossam “Biso” substituting Obama.
In the 88th minute, Amr Yasser secured the third goal for Zamalek, converting Omar Gaber’s cross into the net.
عمار ياسر يعمق جراح أهلي جدة ويسجل الهدف الثالث للزمالك في الدقيقة 86#أهلي_جدة 0 × 3 #الزمالك#كأس_دبي_للتحدي pic.twitter.com/mzEki29m9O
— قناة دبي الرياضية (@dubaisportstv) January 28, 2024
Moutamed Gamal made final changes, bringing in Moez Aladdin instead of Mohamed Awad.
The final whistle blew, declaring Zamalek as the Dubai Challenge Cup champions.
