As the year 2023 draws to a close, marked by numerous events, matches, and sporting competitions on both local and continental levels, it stands as a year of disappointment for the supporters of Zamalek.
The White Knights ended the year without clinching any championships.
The first football team of Zamalek faced a year of fluctuation and negative statistics, notably after losing several local and continental championships.
This challenging period was compounded by the continued suspension imposed by FIFA on player registrations.
Zamalek’s Figures in 2023
The first football team of Zamalek engaged in 53 matches throughout the year 2023.
This comprised 32 league matches, 6 games in the CAF Champions League, 6 matches in the CAF Confederation Cup, 5 matches in the Egypt Cup, 3 matches in the Arab Clubs Championship, and a solitary game in the Egyptian Clubs Association Cup.
Out of these, Zamalek achieved 23 victories, drew in 13 matches, and suffered losses in 17 encounters.
The team netted 84 goals while conceding 67.
Early Exit from the CAF Champions League
For the second consecutive year, Zamalek exited the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
The team secured the third position in its group, with Tunisian giants Esperance and Algerian side CR Belouizdad advancing, marking an early departure for the White Knights from the competition.
Loss of the Egyptian League
In the previous edition of the Egyptian League, Zamalek concluded the season in third place with 60 points.
This marked a significant downturn after winning the championship for two consecutive years.
Egypt Cup Setback
In the Egypt Cup, Zamalek exited in the semi-finals of the previous season. The team faced Pyramids FC and was eliminated in a penalty shootout after a tense 3-3 draw.
Withdrawal from the Egyptian Super Cup
Zamalek withdrew from the Egyptian Super Cup held in May in protest against the participation of Mahmoud Abdel-Moneim Soliman, known as Kahraba, despite his suspension. This decision, not resolved by the Disciplinary Committee until hours before the match, resulted in Pyramids FC replacing Zamalek.
Progress to the Egypt Cup Final
Despite the disappointments, Zamalek managed to reach the final of the Egypt Cup for the previous season.
In a challenging and marathon match against Pyramids FC that ended in a 3-3 draw, Zamalek eventually secured victory in the penalty shootout, earning a place in the final against arch-rivals Al Ahly.
Qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup Quarter-Finals
Zamalek secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after a goalless draw against Sagrada Esperanca from Angola.
This result positioned the White Knights at the top of their group, ensuring their passage to the next round.
New Board for the White Castle
After years under the leadership of Mortada Mansour, the entirety of the Zamalek board stepped down in 2023.
A new board, led by Hussein Labib, was elected in October following the formal resignation submitted to Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, the Minister of Youth and Sports.
