Samanoud goalkeeper explains ‘overweight’ appearance in Egypt Cup defeat by ZED

Samanoud goalkeeper Ahmed Khair has explained why he appeared to be wearing an oversized kit during his side’s Egypt Cup match against ZED.

Khair’s appearance attracted widespread attention on social media during the last-32 tie, with many users commenting on the apparent difference in his weight.

Speaking to ON Sport, Khair said the issue was caused by an emergency change of equipment before kick-off.

“I have three goalkeeper kits, but the referee for the ZED match asked me to wear a different strip because there were advertisements on the kits, which is not permitted in the Egypt Cup,” he said.

“I agreed with ZED’s goalkeeper that he would change the colour of his kit, but I was told before the match that it would be difficult to arrange. So I decided to use one of my team-mate’s kits.

“That is why I looked overweight, because the kit was smaller than my size.”

Khair also highlighted the financial difficulties faced by players competing in the second tier, saying many are unable to work as full-time professional footballers.

“Second-division players face financial problems and are not full-time professional footballers,” he said. “Some work as employees at companies, while others work on private projects.”

The goalkeeper said he had spent a decade in ENPPI’s youth system before building experience with a number of second-division clubs.

“I played for ENPPI’s youth team for 10 years and represented several second-division clubs before moving to Samanoud,” he said.

“Samanoud are producing good performances and had a good run in the Egypt Cup, but they lost to last season’s runners-up.”

ZED beat Samanoud 5-1 in their Egypt Cup last-32 match.