Sports journalist Seif Zaher sparked controversy after sharply criticizing Zamalek’s head coach, Belgian Yannick Ferreira, despite the team’s 1–0 victory over Somalia’s Dekedaha in the CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32 second leg held at Al Salam Stadium.

Zaher wrote on his official Facebook page: “If there’s a penalty and fans are already attacking a player like Mohamed El-Sayed, how can the coach let him take it? Ferreira, you just made the gap between the player and the fans even bigger. The coaching staff made a very poor decision by allowing Mohamed El-Sayed to step up for the penalty despite all the criticism he’s been facing.” ⚽

Zaher stressed that Ferreira’s decision was a mistake, especially given the player’s fragile mental state and the tension with the supporters, which could further strain their relationship.

Meanwhile, Zamalek’s technical staff, led by Ferreira, decided to resume training on Saturday morning at the Military Academy Stadium in preparation for their upcoming match against National Bank SC on October 30, as part of the 12th round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek officially qualified for the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Dekedaha with an aggregate score of 7–0, having won the first leg 6–0 and the return leg 1

–0. 🏆💪