Mahmoud Gihad set for ZED test as Zamalek prepare for Al Ahly derby

Mahmoud Gihad is close to making his first start of the season for Zamalek when they face ZED in the opening round of the Egypt Capital Cup group stage on Wednesday.

The midfielder has recovered from injury and has so far been used only as a substitute since the start of the campaign. Zamalek are now considering giving him playing time against ZED as he continues his return to full fitness.

Gihad has appeared in four matches this season, featuring in both the Egyptian Premier League and the CAF Champions League. His total playing time across those games is 58 minutes.

The 25-year-old joined Zamalek from Pharco in January 2025 and has made 16 appearances for the club since completing that move.

Mahmoud El-Shenawy, Seif Farouk Gaafar, Ahmed Hossam and El-Sayed Osama are also expected to be included in Zamalek’s squad for the match.

Zamalek are in Group A alongside ZED, Wadi Degla, Tala’ea El-Gaish and Al Ittihad Alexandria. The club has also identified a number of its younger players who are among the leading candidates to feature in the team’s first match of the competition.

Focus turns to Al Ahly derby

While preparations continue for the cup fixture, Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal has already begun planning for Sunday’s Egyptian Premier League derby against Al Ahly.

Gamal has decided that the team will enter a five-day closed training camp as part of its preparations for the meeting with their Cairo rivals.

Zamalek are second in the league table with 13 points, level with third-placed Al Ahly. They sit above Al Ahly because of their superior goal difference.

Pyramids lead the standings with a perfect 15 points.