Hossam Hassan’s national team choices cause tension at Al Ahly and Zamalek camps ahead of the Egyptian Super Cup final

Both Al Ahly and Zamalek camps are under pressure before the Egyptian Super Cup final in Abu Dhabi, with frustration running high due to Egypt coach Hossam Hassan’s recent squad selections for the November international break.

Some players, like Yasser Ibrahim, Ahmed Kouka, Yassin Marai (Al Ahly), Mohamed Awad, and Omar Gaber (Zamalek), were openly upset about their exclusion, feeling their form was overlooked. Coaches have tried to calm nerves and keep focus on the Super Cup, urging players not to be distracted by international ambitions.

Zamalek’s Nasser Maher even expressed his disappointment publicly on Instagram, stating, “I honestly believe I deserve to be on the squad. It’s discouraging and unfair, critics, analysts, and fans all know I’ve performed well, but what happened would discourage any mountain.” His statement broke team rules on social media, prompting management to step in and advise him to concentrate on the match.

This turmoil highlights how much a national team call-up matters to the stars of both clubs, adding drama and emotional weight to the showdown. Both clubs now aim to channel this tension into a powerful performance in the final.