Zamalek start Bentayg against Al Ittihad as Chico Banza begins on bench

Zamalek will begin their Egyptian Premier League title defence with Mahmoud Bentayg at left-back against Al Ittihad Alexandria, while new signing Chico Banza has been named among the substitutes.

The two sides meet at Cairo International Stadium at 20:00 local time in the opening match of the new league season. Zamalek enter the campaign as the reigning Egyptian Premier League champions, while Al Ittihad will look to spoil their opponents’ first fixture of the season.

Bentayg’s inclusion in the starting line-up comes with Ahmed Fattouh selected in midfield. The arrangement places the Morocco international in the left-back position, with Fattouh operating further forward as part of the midfield.

Angolan forward Chico Banza is available from the bench, but Abdullah El Said is not included in the squad for the match against Al Ittihad.

Moataz Gamal has selected Mehdi Soliman in goal, with a back four of Mahmoud Bentayg, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail and Omar Gaber.

The midfield is made up of Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Fattouh and Adam Kaied. Ahmed Sherif, Nasser Mansi and Adi Dabbagh will lead the attack.

Zamalek’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mehdi Soliman

Defenders: Mahmoud Bentayg, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail, Omar Gaber

Midfielders: Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Fattouh, Adam Kaied

Forwards: Ahmed Sherif, Nasser Mansi, Adi Dabbagh

The substitutes are Mohamed Awad, Mostafa El Zanary, Mohamed Farag, Ahmed Rabie, Mahmoud Gihad, Mohamed El Sayed, Mohamed Hamad, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” and Chico Banza.

The match is Zamalek’s first competitive fixture of the new campaign after they retained the Egyptian Premier League title last season. Their opening challenge comes against Al Ittihad Alexandria, who are also beginning their league programme at Cairo International Stadium.

The opening round has already produced one goalless draw, with Wadi Degla and ZED sharing a 0-0 result. Zamalek and Al Ittihad will therefore have the opportunity to set an early winning pace in the competition when they meet in the evening kick-off.

Zamalek’s decision to start Bentayg and use Fattouh in midfield is the main selection feature before the champions’ first match. Banza, meanwhile, will have to wait for his opportunity from the bench, while El Said’s absence means he is not available to contribute to the opening fixture.