Zamalek manager Moatamad Gamal delayed his departure with the team squad to Rwanda after undergoing back surgery following the Cairo Derby against Al Ahly in the Egyptian Premier League.
The manager is set to observe a brief period of rest under medical instruction before joining up with the squad on Wednesday to lead final preparations for their UEFA-equivalent CAF Champions League encounter against APR FC, provided his recovery progresses as planned.
The surgery came just hours after Zamalek suffered a 2-0 defeat to Al Ahly in matchday six, a result that stalled the reigning champions’ tally at 13 points in third place—three points behind leaders Al Ahly and trailing second-placed Pyramids FC.
Zamalek recorded four victories, one draw, and one defeat across their opening six league fixtures. However, their derby setback placed Gamal under early pressure, particularly as the team conceded both goals from long-range strikes and failed to capitalize on their dominant spells during the second half.
On the continental stage, the White Knights eased past Djibouti’s Port FC in the first preliminary round with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline. They now need to overcome Rwanda’s APR FC to reach the group stage and continue their pursuit of reclaiming a continental crown that has eluded them since 2002.
Gamal’s achievements last season remain his strongest foundation of trust. Taking charge in January, he guided Zamalek to their 15th league title, becoming the first Egyptian manager to win the league with the club since Essam Baheeg in the 1987–1988 season.
Under his stewardship, Zamalek averaged 2.36 points per match compared to 1.83 points prior to his appointment. The team put together an eight-match winning streak and boasted the league’s best defense, conceding just 17 goals across 26 matches while keeping 14 clean sheets.
Furthermore, Zamalek reached the CAF Confederation Cup final before losing on penalties to USM Alger. Consequently, the upcoming fixture against APR FC is viewed as Gamal’s first major European-style continental test this season, coming at a time that combines the aftermath of the derby defeat, post-surgery recovery, and the weight of defending their domestic crown.
