A Historic Night Begins.. Mohamed Shawky Names ZED’s Strongest XI Against Djibouti’s ASAS in the Confederation Cup
Mohamed Shawky announces ZED’s starting lineup for the club’s first-ever continental match against ASAS of Djibouti in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
Mohamed Shawky, head coach of ZED FC, has announced his starting lineup for the club’s clash against ASAS of Djibouti, with the teams meeting Sunday evening at Cairo International Stadium in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round for the 2026-2027 season. ⚽🏆🔥
The match holds special significance for ZED as it represents the club’s first-ever appearance in African competitions, after earning qualification by finishing runners-up in last season’s Egypt Cup.
ZED will look to use home advantage to secure a positive result before the return match in Djibouti next Saturday.
Mohamed Shawky Announces ZED Lineup
Mohamed Shawky has selected a mix of experienced players and key starters for ZED’s historic continental debut.
ZED’s lineup is:
Goalkeeper: Ali Lotfy.
Defense: Sameh Ibrahim, Abdullah Ahmed, Moussa Mohamed, Wajdi Nabhan.
Midfield: Mohamed Ezz, Mohamed Ibrahim, Ahmed El-Soghairy.
Attack: Marwan Hageeg, Ahmed Atef, Walid Ali Farag.
Ali Lotfy Starts in Goal
Mohamed Shawky has selected Ali Lotfy to protect ZED’s goal in the club’s first continental fixture.
The experienced goalkeeper provides an important element of maturity, particularly in a match carrying the additional pressure of a historic African debut.
Mohamed Ibrahim Brings Experience
Mohamed Ibrahim starts in midfield and is one of the most experienced players in ZED’s lineup.
The team will rely on his ability to control possession, organize attacks and create chances against a Djiboutian side looking to leave Cairo with a positive result.
ZED Attack Targets Strong Start
The attacking line includes Marwan Hageeg, Ahmed Atef and Walid Ali Farag, with the coaching staff hoping they can exploit their attacking qualities against ASAS.
An early goal would be particularly valuable as ZED look to build a comfortable advantage before the second leg.
ZED Make African History
The ASAS match marks a new chapter in ZED’s history as the club plays in African competition for the first time.
ZED qualified after finishing second in last season’s Egypt Cup, earning the opportunity to compete internationally for the first time.
The club and coaching staff will hope to make the debut successful and continue into the later stages.
ZED Target First-Leg Victory
The coaching staff are focused on winning the first leg, especially with the match being played in Cairo.
A victory would give ZED a valuable advantage before the second leg, which is scheduled to take place in Djibouti on September 12.
The players will therefore look to take advantage of every opportunity and build a strong platform.
Match Requires Maximum Concentration
Despite the difference in experience between the teams, African competitions require concentration and respect for every opponent.
ZED will need patience and must avoid rushing their attacks, especially if ASAS adopt a defensive approach and rely on counterattacks.
ZED Fans Await Historic Debut
ZED supporters are eagerly awaiting the match because it represents the club’s first appearance in continental competition.
The fixture gives the players an opportunity to write their names into club history as the first generation to represent ZED in an African match.
Route to the Next Round
If ZED eliminate ASAS, the club will face another opponent in the second preliminary round.
According to the draw, the winner of the ZED-ASAS tie will face Azam FC of Tanzania in the next stage.
That makes a strong first-leg performance an important first step toward continuing the continental journey.
Mohamed Shawky Faces a Major Test
The match represents a major challenge for Mohamed Shawky, who is leading ZED in the club’s first African campaign.
The coach will need to manage the match carefully through his lineup, tactical approach and substitutions.
ZED Have a Chance to Make History
ZED enter the game with a genuine opportunity to begin their African adventure with a victory and build confidence ahead of the return fixture.
A strong result in their continental debut could also provide significant momentum during the current season.
Experience Meets Ambition
ZED will look to combine the experience of players such as Mohamed Ibrahim and Ali Lotfy with the energy of their younger attacking players.
ASAS, meanwhile, will aim to secure the best possible result before returning home for the second leg.
Match Time and Broadcaster
The ZED vs ASAS Djibouti match kicks off at 8:00 PM on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium.
The match will be broadcast on On Sport 1, according to reports covering the fixture.
✨ ZED are writing the first chapter of their African history as Mohamed Shawky names the starting lineup against ASAS of Djibouti in the club’s first continental match and the opening step toward a potential Confederation Cup run. 🏆🇪🇬🔥
📢 Can ZED secure a big victory in their African debut and move closer to the next round?
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