Zamalek keep unchanged starting XI for National Bank of Egypt clash

Zamalek have named the same starting line-up that began their opening Egyptian Premier League match for their second-round meeting with National Bank of Egypt at Cairo International Stadium.

Coach Moatamed Gamal has again selected a front three of Ahmed Sherif, Nasser Mansi and Ady El Dabbah as Zamalek look for their first win of the new league season.

The Egyptian champions were held to a goalless draw by Al Ittihad Alexandria in their opening fixture, and Gamal has opted against making any changes to the side that started that match.

Mehdi Soliman retains his place in goal, with Mahmoud Bentayg, Mahmoud Hamdy “El Wensh”, Mohamed Ismail and Omar Gaber forming the defensive line.

The midfield consists of Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Fattouh and Adam Kaied, while Ahmed Sherif, Nasser Mansi and Ady El Dabbah continue in attack.

Hossam Ashraf and Mohamed Ibrahim return to the squad and will start the match among the substitutes. Their inclusion provides Zamalek with additional attacking options from the bench as the team attempt to improve on their result against Al Ittihad Alexandria.

Zamalek’s starting XI 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, Ady El Dabbah

The substitutes are Mohamed Awad, Mostafa El Zenary, Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed Rabie, Hossam Ashraf, Mohamed El Sayed, Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Abd El Rahim “Isho” and Chico Banza.

Mahmoud Gihad is not included in the squad for the match, while veteran midfielder Abdallah El Said remains absent.

The fixture is being played as part of the second round of the Egyptian Premier League, with Zamalek visiting National Bank of Egypt at Cairo International Stadium.

Zamalek enter the new campaign as the reigning Egyptian Premier League champions after winning last season’s title. Their opening-day draw means they have one point from their first match, while the game against National Bank of Egypt offers them an early opportunity to claim their first victory of the campaign.

Gamal’s decision to preserve the same starting side underlines his preference for continuity at the beginning of the season. The attacking trio of Ahmed Sherif, Nasser Mansi and Ady El Dabbah will again be tasked with providing the main threat, while Hossam Ashraf and Mohamed Ibrahim are available should Zamalek need to change the course of the match from the substitutes’ bench.