Zamalek boss Motamed Gamal to join squad in Rwanda after surgery

Zamalek manager Motamed Gamal will join the team’s travelling party in Rwanda on Wednesday after undergoing surgery for back pain.

The Egyptian club had been due to travel on Monday evening for their CAF Champions League tie against Rwanda Army, but Gamal’s schedule was changed following the operation.

Doctors have instructed Gamal to rest for 48 hours to allow him to recover fully. He will therefore travel separately on Wednesday and join the squad in Rwanda ahead of Friday’s first-leg match in the last 32.

Zamalek’s board wished their manager a speedy recovery.

The trip follows a difficult derby defeat by Al Ahly, who beat Zamalek 2-0 in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek have since filed a complaint with the Egyptian Football Association against the referees’ committee, claiming they were treated unfairly during the derby. The club also held the committee responsible for the result, saying the officials had been affected by the campaign against them before the start of the season.

The victory was Al Ahly’s 53rd against Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League. Zamalek have won 29 league meetings, while the other 51 have ended in draws.

It was also Al Ahly’s fourth consecutive victory over Zamalek in all competitions.

Gamal has now failed to beat Al Ahly in either of his two matches as Zamalek manager. His side lost 3-0 last season before suffering the 2-0 defeat in the current campaign.

Houcine Ammouta, meanwhile, won his first derby match against Zamalek.

The result moved Al Ahly temporarily top of the Egyptian Premier League with 16 points. Zamalek suffered their first defeat of the season and remain third on 13 points.

Zamalek will visit Rwanda Army on Friday, 16 October, in the first leg of their last-32 CAF Champions League tie.