ZED step up Confederation Cup build-up with 3-1 friendly win over Khorfakkan

ZED opened their pre-season training camp in Turkey with a convincing 3-1 friendly victory over UAE side Khorfakkan as they prepare for their first-ever African campaign.

The Egyptian club, managed by Mohamed Shawky, are holding a pre-season camp in Turkey ahead of the new season and their historic debut in the CAF Confederation Cup.

ZED, who finished as runners-up in the Egypt Cup, were confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association as the country’s representatives in the Confederation Cup alongside Al Ahly, who secured third place in the league.

Their opening friendly of the camp saw ZED defeat Khorfakkan 3-1 on Thursday, 30 July, in a match that kicked off at 17:00 local time.

Turkey base for historic season

Shawky led his squad to Turkey to stage the camp, which is designed to fine-tune preparations for both domestic and continental commitments in 2026-27.

This marks the first time in the club’s history that ZED will compete in African competition, adding extra significance to their summer schedule and the level of opposition they are facing in pre-season.

ZED have also become the second Egyptian team to choose Turkey as a summer base this year, following Pyramids, who previously set up their own camp there.

Friendly schedule in Turkey

The match against Khorfakkan was the first of four scheduled friendlies for ZED during their stay in Turkey.

Their programme of warm-up fixtures is as follows:

– 30 July, 17:00 – Khorfakkan (UAE) v ZED – finished 3-1 to ZED – 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)

These matches are intended to build match fitness and cohesion in Shawky’s squad ahead of the start of the domestic season and their maiden appearance on the African stage.