CAF Confederation Cup: Zamalek lose influential duo Mohamed Sobhi and Chico Banza Belouizdad clash

Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have unveiled their squad for a crucial Confederation Cup semi-final first-leg encounter against Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, with the White Knights gearing up for a high-stakes battle on hostile territory.

The Cairo-based side will travel to Algeria to face Belouizdad at the iconic Nelson Mandela Stadium next Friday, in what promises to be a fiercely contested clash. The Zamalek delegation, led by club vice president Hisham Nasr, has already departed on a four-hour journey as preparations intensify.

However, Zamalek will have to navigate the tie without key goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi, who misses out for the second consecutive match after also sitting out the recent game against Al Masry. His absence is a significant blow, with Mohamed Awad expected to shoulder responsibility between the posts.

The squad is further weakened by the injury-enforced absence of Chico Banza, reducing options in attack as the team looks to secure a positive result away from home.

Despite these setbacks, Zamalek head into the fixture with confidence, having edged past Congolese outfit AS Otoho 3-2 on aggregate in the previous round. Their opponents, CR Belouizdad, progressed under dramatic circumstances—drawing 1-1 on aggregate against Al Masry SC but advancing on the away goals rule.

The return leg is scheduled for April 17 at the imposing Cairo International Stadium, where Zamalek will hope to capitalize on home advantage and book their place in the final.

Zamalek squad for the first leg:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Awad, Mahdi Suleiman, Mahmoud El Shenawy

Defenders: Mahmoud Bentayk, Ahmed Fatouh, Mahmoud Hamdi “El Wensh”, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Mohamed Ismail, El Sayed Osama, Omar Gaber, Mohamed Ibrahim

Midfielders: Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie, Mahmoud Jihad, Mohamed El Sayed, Abdallah El Said, Adam Kayed, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Esho”, Ahmed Sherif, Juan Bezerra

Forwards: Nasser Mansi, Uday Al-Dabbagh, Saif Al-Din Al-Jaziri, Amr Nasser