ZED line up four friendlies in Turkey as build-up to first African campaign begins

ZED have confirmed a four-match pre-season schedule at their training camp in Turkey as the club step up preparations for the 2026-27 campaign and their first-ever appearance in African competition.

The Egyptian side, coached by Mohamed Shawky, have travelled to Turkey for an overseas camp ahead of their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup, following a landmark domestic season.

ZED secured their continental place after finishing as runners-up in the Egypt Cup, and have been nominated by the Egyptian Football Association to take part in the Confederation Cup alongside Al Ahly, who ended last season third in the league.

Pyramids won the Egypt Cup at ZED’s expense, coming from behind to lift the trophy with a 2-1 victory in the final.

Despite cup disappointment, ZED concluded the league campaign in second place in the relegation-avoidance group, collecting 49 points and doing enough to secure their top-flight status.

Pre-season schedule set in Turkey

During their Turkish training camp, ZED will play four warm-up matches against opposition from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Turkey.

Their friendly schedule is as follows:

– 30 July, 17:00 – ZED v Khor Fakkan (United Arab Emirates) – 2 August, 17:00 – ZED v Al Salmiya (Kuwait) – 6 August, 17:00 – ZED v Al Muharraq (Bahrain) – 9 August, 19:00 – ZED v Kocaelispor (Turkey)

All four fixtures are designed to give Shawky the chance to assess his squad and build rhythm ahead of a season in which the club will be balancing domestic duties with a first tilt at continental competition.

Second Egyptian club to camp in Turkey

ZED are the second Egyptian team to choose Turkey as a pre-season base this summer, following Pyramids, who have already held their own camp there.

The decision underlines the club’s attempt to mirror the preparations of more established domestic rivals as they prepare for a campaign that will test their depth and consistency at home and abroad.

With their schedule now confirmed, ZED’s focus in Turkey will be on fine-tuning tactics, integrating any new faces and ensuring the squad is ready for the demands of both the Egyptian season and the Confederation Cup.