Zamalek’s Zizo eyes victory over Al Ahly in CAF Super Cup showdown
Zamalek’s star midfielder Ahmed Mostafa Sayed, widely known as “Zizo,” has expressed his ambition to lead his team to victory against arch-rivals Al Ahly in the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup 2024. The fierce Egyptian rivalry will take center stage on Friday, September 27, at the prestigious Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the two sides will battle for one of Africa’s top football honors.
As Zamalek enters the match as champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, they face Al Ahly, who claimed the CAF Champions League title.
The clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two of the continent’s football giants, both of whom have a rich history of intense matches.
Zizo acknowledged the significance of the occasion, emphasizing that the fixture is not just about the trophy but also the fierce rivalry between the clubs.
“Not only is this one of the most important trophies to win in Africa, but it involves two arch-rivals that have a rich history in African football.
We want to deliver a high-quality match that shines a spotlight on Egyptian football,” Zizo told CAFOnline.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who has become a vital player for Zamalek, highlighted the importance of mental strength in preparation for the match.
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, Zamalek’s squad has been working tirelessly to be tactically prepared, but Zizo believes that mental resilience will play a decisive role in the outcome.
“It will require a lot of mental toughness,” Zizo said. “We can prepare well tactically, but mental toughness will be key in such a match.
The most important thing will be to stay fully focused and take advantage of every opportunity.”
With a large contingent of Zamalek fans expected to turn out in Riyadh, particularly from the Gulf region, Zizo stressed the significance of making them proud.
“Our ambition is to win this cup, especially since Zamalek can count on the support of its many fans in the Gulf, who will be there to cheer us on,” he added.
For Zizo, winning the CAF Super Cup holds special meaning.
Having already lifted the trophy with Zamalek in 2020 after a victory over Espérance de Tunis, he is eager to replicate that achievement and cement his legacy with the “White Knights.”
“As a player, my ambition is to win the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup for the second time with Zamalek,” Zizo said. “I already won this title in 2020 against Espérance de Tunis, a highlight in my career.
I hope to relive it to further inscribe my name in the history of Zamalek.”
Zizo also reflected on the honor of competing in such high-profile matches, underscoring the dream of lifting the coveted title again.
“It is every player’s dream to play such matches and, more importantly, lift the title and add your name to the long list of great African footballers who have won this tournament.”
As Zamalek prepares to face their most formidable domestic foe, Zizo and his teammates are focused on the task at hand.
Both sides boast immense quality and a disciplined approach, setting the stage for a captivating encounter.
However, with Zamalek’s determination and the unwavering support of their fans, Zizo remains optimistic about their chances of triumph.
Zamalek and Al Ahly’s clash in Riyadh will not only showcase the pinnacle of African football but also offer an opportunity for both clubs to add yet another prestigious title to their storied legacies.