Zamalek step up preparations for Al Ittihad Alexandria opener

Zamalek have resumed training ahead of their opening match of the 2026-27 league season against Al Ittihad Alexandria on Friday, 21 August.

The session took place on Wednesday evening at the auxiliary pitch of Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium, as the reigning champions continued their preparations for the start of the new campaign.

Zamalek will begin their league title defence against Al Ittihad Alexandria at Cairo Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 local time.

The training programme began with a physical session overseen by Portuguese fitness coach Nuno Costa Ribeiro. The players completed running exercises around the pitch before moving on to further fitness work and a light ball-based routine.

Head coach Moataz Gamal then addressed the squad on the pitch, delivering a tactical presentation focused on the work planned for the remainder of the session. He also provided the players with technical instructions linked to their individual roles and responsibilities during matches.

The coaching staff subsequently split the squad into groups for tactical drills. The players were given continuous guidance throughout that part of the session as the staff worked on the details they want implemented during the team’s opening fixtures.

Zamalek finished the session with a small-sided tactical game. The exercise was designed to put into practice the ideas developed during the tactical drills and formed part of the club’s wider preparations for the matches ahead.

The Cairo-based club enter the new season as champions after winning the league title last season. It was the 15th league championship in Zamalek’s history.

Their meeting with Al Ittihad Alexandria will provide the first competitive test of the 2026-27 campaign, with Zamalek’s preparations now focused on ensuring the squad is ready for the opening fixture at Cairo Stadium.