Angola winger Chico Banza returns to Cairo as Zamalek prepare for Al Ahly showdown

Angolan winger Chico Banza has returned to Cairo ahead of joining Zamalek’s training camp in the New Administrative Capital as the Egyptian giants intensify preparations for their highly anticipated Cairo derby against Al Ahly.

The winger arrived in the Egyptian capital from Angola after featuring for his national team during the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt’s opponents Angola and Malawi.

Banza was initially expected to return earlier, but his arrival was delayed for reasons that have attracted differing reports. While some reports attributed the delay to flight-related issues, others suggested that the winger was completing arrangements for his wife to travel back to Cairo with him.

His return comes at an important stage of Zamalek’s preparations, with the White Knights scheduled to face their fierce rivals Al Ahly on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek, under head coach Moataz Gamal, entered a closed training camp in the New Administrative Capital last Tuesday as part of efforts to improve the squad’s readiness ahead of the high-profile encounter.

Banza’s return will provide the technical team with another option as Zamalek seek to finalise their preparations for the derby, a fixture that carries significant importance for both clubs in their pursuit of domestic success.

With the Cairo giants preparing for another chapter in their historic rivalry, Zamalek will be hoping to have their key players available as they look to secure a positive result against Al Ahly.