Zamalek rewarded with rest day after Bank Al Ahly victory

Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal has given his players a day off from team training after their 3-0 win over Bank Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.

The decision was taken after Zamalek secured a convincing victory at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, with all three goals scored in the second half.

Zamalek now have four points from their opening two matches and occupy second place in the table, although their position is temporary. Their campaign began with a draw before they claimed their first win of the season against Bank Al Ahly.

Gamal and his coaching staff decided that the squad would not take part in collective training on Thursday, allowing the players to rest following the demanding league fixture.

The team will return to training on Friday at the auxiliary pitch at Air Defense Stadium. Preparations will then begin for Zamalek’s next league match, against Petrojet referred to in the fixture details as Montakhab El-Suez Petrojet in the third round of the competition.

That match is scheduled to take place on Monday.

Zamalek’s victory over Bank Al Ahly was settled by the impact of their substitutes, who made the difference after coming on during the match. Chico Banza, Hossam Ashraf and Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Isho” all scored in the second half to complete the 3-0 result.

The win gives Zamalek four points after two games, while Bank Al Ahly remain without a point. Bank Al Ahly’s next opportunity to open their account will come on Monday, when they face Petroleum Sports Club.

Zamalek will also be in action on the same day, continuing their league campaign against Petrojet in the third round.

The break on Thursday will give Gamal’s squad limited recovery time before preparations resume at Air Defense Stadium. The coaching staff will use Friday’s session to begin focusing on the next fixture after the substitutes’ decisive contribution secured Zamalek’s first victory of the season.

Bank Al Ahly, meanwhile, will be looking to respond after suffering their second defeat of the campaign. Their meeting with Petroleum Sports Club offers them another chance to claim their first points, while Zamalek will aim to build on the momentum created by their three-goal victory and maintain their place near the top of the table.