Zamalek rocked by tragedy as Mohamed Shehata loses father ahead of Confederation Cup final

Zamalek’s preparations for the CAF Confederation Cup final have been struck by a deeply emotional setback following the passing of the father of midfielder Mohamed Shehata, just days before the club’s crucial first-leg clash against USM Alger.

The Egyptian giants are set to face the Algerian side on May 9, with the return leg scheduled for May 16 in Cairo, as both teams battle for the 2025–2026 Confederation Cup crown. However, the buildup has now been overshadowed by grief within the Zamalek camp.

Mohamed Shehata is currently travelling with the Zamalek delegation in Algeria as the team finalises preparations for the first leg of the final. Despite the personal tragedy, he remains with the squad while the club provides full emotional and logistical support.

According to reports, the situation surrounding his participation remains undecided. The Zamalek football management held a meeting with the player in Algeria, giving him complete freedom to choose whether to return to Cairo to attend the funeral or remain with the team for the historic fixture.

The club has stressed that the final decision will rest entirely with Shehata, prioritising his mental and emotional wellbeing over sporting considerations.

Zamalek officials have moved quickly to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place should Shehata decide to travel back to Egypt. Immediate flight options have been secured, allowing him to return to Cairo at any moment if he chooses to be with his family.

The club’s stance reflects the sensitivity of the situation, with teammates and staff rallying around the midfielder during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

The timing of the tragedy comes at a critical moment for Zamalek, who are chasing continental glory in the Confederation Cup. The club faces USM Alger in a tightly anticipated two-legged final that could define their season.

Despite the emotional disruption, preparations continue on the pitch as the squad attempts to maintain focus ahead of the first leg in Algeria.

Beyond continental ambitions, Zamalek are also closing in on domestic success. The club currently leads the Egyptian Premier League table with 53 points, needing just one more point to secure the championship title.

It adds another layer of pressure and expectation to an already intense period for the squad, who are balancing multiple high-stakes objectives.

While football remains the focus on the field, the atmosphere within the camp has been defined by unity and support for Shehata. The tragedy has brought the squad together at a crucial stage of the season, reinforcing the human side of the game amid competitive demands.

As Zamalek prepare for one of their biggest matches of the season, all attention remains on both the final itself — and the wellbeing of a teammate facing a profound personal loss.