Absence of Abdallah El Said and Nabil Emad Donga disrupts Zamalek preparations before facing Kaizer Chiefs

Zamalek’s squad set out for South Africa on Tuesday, ready to meet Kaizer Chiefs for the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

The team will be without several key players, complicating tactical plans. Midfielder Abdallah El Said, whose muscle tear was confirmed after recent scans, is sidelined and began rehabilitation immediately, missing the trip and Saturday’s fixture. The loss is significant for Zamalek’s midfield, especially as the team grapples with other absences.

The club also confirmed Nabil Emad Donga is out with a ligament injury, and Ahmed Rabie is sidelined due to adductor fatigue. Administrative decisions have excluded Sallah Moussaddaq, still in a contract dispute, and Mohamed El Sayed, whose club renewal talks have stalled. Furthermore, coaches left out four players, including Mahdi Suleiman and Ahmed Hamdi, for technical reasons.

Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh was granted permission to join the national team for a vital Arab Cup qualifier, with Zamalek’s staff ensuring he will head to South Africa right after.

The remaining squad, led by manager Ahmed Abdelraouf and the board, were encouraged at Cairo airport, with club leaders expressing confidence in a positive result despite depleted ranks.