Zamalek set to start Mohamed Sobhi against Djibouti’s Port in CAF Champions League

Zamalek are set to name Mohamed Sobhi in goal for their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first leg against Port of Djibouti, according to a club source.

The decision means El Mahdi Soliman is expected to be rested for the match, with head coach Motamed Gamal’s technical staff choosing to give Sobhi an opportunity in the opening stage of the competition.

The source told FilGoal.com: “Mohamed Sobhi will guard the team’s goal against Port Djibouti.”

Zamalek face Port shortly in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie in the CAF Champions League. Both fixtures between the two sides, including the return match, will be played at Cairo International Stadium.

The decision to select Sobhi comes after Soliman started all three of Zamalek’s league matches so far and completed each game. The coaching staff regards the preliminary round as an appropriate opportunity to rotate the goalkeeping position and give Sobhi a starting appearance.

A Zamalek source explained: “The technical staff decided to rest El Mahdi Soliman, especially because the match is in the preliminary round of the Champions League and it is a good opportunity for Sobhi to play.”

Sobhi’s expected inclusion is therefore the main selection change to emerge from the squad’s preparations for the tie. The club’s technical staff, led by Gamal, have settled on using him from the start as Zamalek begin their campaign in Africa’s leading club competition.

The winner over the two legs between Zamalek and Port will progress to the next stage, where they will face the winner of the tie between Congolese club Eagles and Rwanda’s Army.

The first meeting with Port will be played at Cairo International Stadium, which will also host the return fixture. Zamalek will therefore have home advantage for both matches as they attempt to advance from the preliminary round.

For now, the focus is on the opening leg and Sobhi’s opportunity to contribute. Soliman has been the club’s goalkeeper throughout Zamalek’s three league matches to date, but the coaching staff have opted for a different choice in the Champions League.

The move allows Zamalek to manage their goalkeeping options while also providing Sobhi with competitive playing time. His selection has been confirmed by a club source ahead of the meeting with Port, although the wider importance of the tie remains clear: progression would take Zamalek into the next round, where a place against either Eagles or Rwanda’s Army awaits.