Cairo, Egypt – Zamalek’s technical director, Ahmed Abdel Raouf, spoke about the upcoming match against Al Ahly in the 2025 Egyptian Super Cup final.
Al Ahly is scheduled to meet Zamalek tomorrow, Sunday, at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in the UAE, in the Egyptian Super Cup final.
Abdel Raouf said in statements during the pre-match press conference: “Our goal from the beginning was to qualify for the final, especially after the difficult semi-final match against Pyramids. We will play with the character of Zamalek against Al Ahly, and we seek to win the championship.”
He added: “Recently, some people doubted Zamalek’s ability to reach the final, but we have proven that our presence at this stage is well-deserved, and we will play the match with our character and the spirit of our fans, and God willing, we will be the most deserving of winning the title.”
Abdel Raouf comments on Nasser Maher’s anger after being excluded from the Egyptian national team squad.
Regarding Nasser Maher’s anger after being excluded from the Egyptian national team’s roster, he said: “Nasser is a normal person, and he has the right to be angry or sad, and I personally am angry about the decision.”
He explained: “In my opinion, Nasser is one of the most prominent players in Egypt during the last three matches, and I have all respect for Captain Hossam Hassan, but not including Nasser is a question mark. The player expressed his anger in a respectful way and I am with him, and most importantly he is fully ready for the Al-Ahly match.”
He continued: “Losing any player due to injury is impactful, but the current group is very special, and all the players are ready, God willing. We will check everyone’s physical condition in today’s training session.”
Regarding his first derby as a coach, he said: “The derby match is a big event for me, and I hope to live up to the trust of Zamalek fans. Coaching Zamalek is a dream for any coach, and my goal is to win the championship.”
He pointed to the level of player Ahmed Fatouh, saying: “He has not yet reached his normal level, and I expect a better performance from him. He is a great player technically and tactically, and he can offer more than he is currently showing.”
He continued: “Every match has its own way of being handled, but facing Al Ahly always has a special and historic respect. The pressure of the matches requires high readiness, and Zamalek’s players are men in the truest sense of the word. From the first day, I felt their respect and great discipline.”
Abdel Raouf reveals the status of the injured players
Regarding the injured players, he said: “Bezerra is on the list, and if he is physically ready, he will participate in the match. The team’s overall condition is very good, and the final decision regarding the lineup will be made today.”
He concluded: “I am confused by people. When we attack, they say Abdel Raouf opened up the game, and when we defend, they say he closed it down. In the end, Zamalek will show its well-known character, and with time it will impose its style more and more clearly.”
