Zamalek coach José Gomez has made a bold decision by excluding seven players from the squad set to compete in the Egyptian Super Cup, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from October 20 to 24.
According to an official source within the club, the Portuguese manager has restructured his lineup, aiming to bring fresh energy to the team, with a surprise addition to the roster.
The insider revealed to Al-Watan Sport that Gomez has opted to drop several players from his tactical plans for the Super Cup, including Beninese forward Samson Akinola, as well as Mohab Yasser, Mohamed Atef, Mustafa Al-Zanari, Saif Farouk Jaafar, Hossam Ashraf, and young talent Ahmed Rifai.
This shake-up suggests Gomez is preparing a more streamlined squad, focusing on core players who can deliver on the big stage.
“José Gomez has decided to exclude these seven from the squad for technical reasons, and they are not part of the plans for the upcoming matches,” said the source.
“Additionally, he is set to include Jefferson Costa, a new signing from Guinea, who is expected to be a surprise presence in the Super Cup lineup.”
The source also indicated that Costa’s integration into the team could provide a fresh dynamic, especially as he adapts to the playing style and tactics under Gomez’s direction.
Among the most notable omissions is Saif Farouk Jaafar, a key name who has been left out of the competition.
However, Jefferson Costa’s inclusion marks a new chapter, as he brings fresh talent and enthusiasm.
Another critical player, Mahmoud Hamdi “Al-Wansh,” has been listed, as he continues his rehabilitation and will be available for the matches in the UAE, having participated in parts of the recent training sessions.
Zamalek’s Probable Squad for the Egyptian Super Cup:
- Goalkeepers: Mohamed Sobhi, Mohamed Awad, Mahmoud El-Shenawy
- Defenders: Omar Jaber, Hamza Al-Mathlouthi, Hossam Abdel Majeed, Ahmed Mahmoud, Mohamed Hamdi, Mahmoud Bentaek, Mustafa Al-Zanari, Jefferson Costa
- Midfielders: Nabil Imad “Donga,” Ziad Kamal, Mohamed Shehata, Mohamed Al-Sayed, Abdullah Al-Saeed, Nasser Maher, Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala,” Mustafa Shalabi, Ahmed Mustafa “Zizou,” Konrad Michalak, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Esho”
- Forwards: Saif Al-Jaziri, Omar Faraj, Nasser Mansi
This squad revamp signals Gomez’s intent to approach the Super Cup with a more strategic and adaptable team.
As Zamalek prepares to face its fierce rivals, the revised lineup will be key to their performance.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the surprise inclusions and tactical shifts will play out on the field during the Super Cup matches in the UAE.
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