Zamalek goalkeeping tension deepens before Kaizer Chiefs clash

Zamalek’s coaching staff have dropped goalkeeper Mohamed Awad from the squad to face Kaizer Chiefs after he objected to not starting, adding fresh drama to an already sensitive position at the club.

Coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf has chosen Mohamed Sobhi as his first-choice keeper for the Confederation Cup tie in Peter Mokaba Stadium, with youngster Mahmoud El Shennawy the only backup on the bench.

The starting XI also includes Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh, Hossam Abdel Meguid and Omar Gaber in defence, with Mohamed Ismail, Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Maher in midfield, and an attack led by Chico Banza, Seif El Jaziri and Juan Bezera.

Among the substitutes are Mahmoud Bentaig, Baron Ochieng, Mahmoud Jihad, Seif Gaafar, Abdelhamid Maali, Adam Kaid, Ahmed Sherif and Adi El Dabbagh. Awad’s exclusion further fuels debate around the goalkeeping hierarchy, following a series of issues in this position over recent months.

Meanwhile, the situation of keeper El Mahdy Soliman has become more complicated. Sources close to the player say he never received an official notice of being referred to investigation and that his absence from the South Africa trip was part of rotation, not punishment, which he underlined by posting a training photo on Instagram to stress his commitment.

However, other voices inside the club claim Soliman is upset because he feels his role has shrunk, despite verbal promises from sporting director John Edward that he would arrive as “first-choice goalkeeper.” The fierce competition between Sobhi and Awad, plus the coach’s public description of them as his two main options, has left Soliman sensing he is out of the picture.

The club has now formally opened an investigation into Soliman’s situation and imposed a financial fine, docking part of his dues while waiting for the findings to decide on further steps.

The veteran joined Zamalek on a free transfer last summer after leaving Al Ittihad Alexandria, bringing long experience from spells at ENPPI, Pyramids, Smouha and Ghazl El Mahalla, yet he now faces an uncertain future amid one of the most turbulent goalkeeping battles the club has seen in years.