Mahmoud Gihad says injuries are ‘God’s will’ after Zamalek win

Zamalek midfielder Mahmoud Gihad says he remains confident in God after being substituted with an injury during the club’s 1-0 victory over Asyut Petroleum in the Egyptian Premier League.

Gihad was replaced in the 38th minute at Borg El Arab Stadium, prompting him to explain his condition and respond to criticism from supporters.

“I wanted to clarify something for everyone, especially the great Zamalek fans,” Gihad wrote on his official Instagram account. “Injuries are part of what God has decreed. I always work, whatever happens, and I do not become sad or affected. I do not need to come out and explain what I am doing, because that is normal and it is my job.”

The midfielder said the latest setback came after he had been absent for a full year, but insisted it was not as serious as his previous injury.

“What happened today is normal after being away for an entire year,” he added. “Thankfully, I am fine and it is not an injury like the last one. These are all normal injuries that happen. God willing, my faith in God will be greater than anything else.

“Whatever happens, I am not afraid for myself and I will not become lazy about giving everything to this great club, whose shirt I am honoured to wear.”

Gihad said he was taking precautions because he had never previously suffered injuries of this nature, while defending Zamalek’s technical and medical staff.

“God alone knows what I do. I am not afraid at all, but I am careful because this is the first time I have suffered injuries like this,” he said. “The technical and medical staff have not fallen short in any way. Everyone is helping me as much as they can.”

He also drew a distinction between constructive criticism and mockery over injuries.

“Technical criticism is normal and acceptable, and I learn from it,” Gihad said. “But mocking something that is in God’s hands is trivial and ignorant, because everything comes from God.”

He added that he had chosen not to discuss such matters publicly since joining Zamalek because he did not like speaking about them.

Zamalek secured their fifth league win of the season through Ahmed Sherif, who scored in the 26th minute after a serious defensive error by Asyut Petroleum. The result lifted Zamalek to 16 points and third place after seven matches.

Sherif has now scored three league goals for Zamalek this season. Across all competitions, he has contributed to five goals, including two assists in the CAF Champions League.

The forward made his eighth appearance for Zamalek this term. Last season, he contributed to seven goals in 32 matches and needs one more goal to match his previous total of four goals.

Zamalek’s next match is against Rwandan Army in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32 on Saturday evening.