ZED explain why Mohamed Shawky watched Azam match from the stands

ZED have confirmed that head coach Mohamed Shawky was in the stands for their CAF Confederation Cup meeting with Tanzanian side Azam because he is still completing the process of having his coaching qualification recognised by the Confederation of African Football.

ZED faced Azam at Cairo International Stadium in the first leg of the second preliminary round.

A club source told FilGoal.com: “Why was Mohamed Shawky in the stands against Azam? The head coach obtained the A coaching licence from the Asian Football Confederation.”

The source added: “Shawky is currently working to complete the equivalency of the licence with the Confederation of African Football.”

The club said Shawky would return to the technical area once the procedures for obtaining the African licence had been completed.

Assistant coach Mohamed Samir led the team from the bench and took charge on the pitch during the match.

The second leg will be played in Tanzania on 24 October.

ZED began their African campaign by beating ASAS Telecom of Djibouti 5-1 on aggregate.

The winner of the tie will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

This is ZED’s first appearance in African competition. The club earned its place after finishing runners-up to Pyramids in last season’s Egypt Cup final.