Omar Abdel Aziz rested by Zamalek ahead of Al Ahly derby

Zamalek goalkeeper Omar Abdel Aziz has been given a break from first-team training before Sunday’s Cairo derby against Al Ahly.

The two sides meet at Cairo Stadium on 11 October in the sixth round of the league.

Abdel Aziz was rested after returning from international duty with Egypt’s youth team. Zamalek currently have four other goalkeepers available: El Mahdy Soliman, Mohamed Awad, Mohamed Sobhi and Mahmoud El Shenawy.

The 18-year-old helped Egypt’s youth team win the North Africa Under-20 Championship, securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. Egypt sealed the title with a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the final round.

Despite his involvement with the national side, Abdel Aziz has not yet played for Zamalek’s first team.

Zamalek and Al Ahly are level on 13 points in the league, with Zamalek occupying second place because of their superior goal difference. Pyramids lead the table on 15 points.