Chico Banza sparks controversy with bizarre exit in Zamalek win over Zed

Angolan forward Chico Banza grabbed the spotlight in dramatic fashion during Zamalek’s 2-1 victory over Zed in the Egyptian Premier League, then disappeared from the pitch in a moment that stunned viewers.

The match, played on Tuesday in Round 19, saw Banza come on as a substitute in the 68th minute and quickly make a decisive impact.

Banza produced the assist for Zamalek’s winning goal, setting up Ahmed Rabie in the 82nd minute to secure three precious points in the club’s title push. The result sent Zamalek to the top of the league table on 37 points, ahead of Pyramids on goal difference and one point clear of Al Ahly in third.

But just after the second goal, Banza unexpectedly left the field, an incident widely shared on social media and described as a strange and controversial moment.

Local reports suggested he had gone to answer a call of nature. In his absence, Zamalek goalkeeper El Mahdi Soliman dropped to the ground claiming injury to buy time until his teammate returned, only for the referee to book him for time-wasting.
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