Sports News

Shobeir Reveals Moataz Gamal’s Plans for the Derby: Could Dabbagh Be the Key Against Al Ahly?

Thu , October 08 2026 / 02:02 PM By: Misr Connect 6 min read
Egypt's #1 Verified Directory Verified Information
إعلان / Advertisement
شوبير

Ahmed Shobeir has revealed some of Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal’s plans ahead of the Egyptian Premier League derby against Al Ahly, including the possibility of changing the tactical setup and giving Oday Dabbagh a more advanced role following his strong performances with Palestine.

إعلان / Advertisement

🟥 Moataz Gamal Considers a Tactical Surprise

Sports broadcaster Ahmed Shobeir revealed details about Zamalek head coach Moataz Gamal’s preparations for the highly anticipated Al Ahly clash in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Shobeir indicated that the Zamalek manager is considering changes to both the team’s tactical approach and starting lineup as he searches for the best possible formula against Al Ahly.

The importance and difficulty of the derby have encouraged the coaching staff to examine different tactical options, particularly with several players returning from international duty.

Gamal is also looking at how to make the best use of his available attacking options, with more than one tactical scenario reportedly being considered ahead of kickoff.

🔥 Oday Dabbagh’s Form Could Lead to a Change

Ahmed Shobeir highlighted the recent performances of Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh with his national team, suggesting that his form could encourage Moataz Gamal to reconsider the player’s position.

Shobeir explained that Dabbagh has sometimes been used on the right side, but his performances for Palestine could persuade the Zamalek coach to give him a more advanced role in the derby.

One of the options reportedly being considered is deploying Dabbagh as a central striker rather than using him primarily on the right wing.

Such a move would allow Zamalek to make greater use of Dabbagh’s attacking qualities, particularly in a derby where taking advantage of scoring opportunities can be decisive.

📢 Could Zamalek Change Its Formation Against Al Ahly?

Moataz Gamal has primarily relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Shobeir revealed that the coach is considering a possible switch to 4-4-2 for the Al Ahly clash.

The potential change reflects the coaching staff’s desire to approach the match differently, whether by increasing attacking numbers or giving the forwards clearer responsibilities around the penalty area.

The final decision on the formation and starting lineup will depend on the coaching staff’s assessment during the final stages of preparation, with several options still under consideration.

🏆 Shobeir Questions the Length of Zamalek’s Camp

Ahmed Shobeir also discussed Zamalek’s preparation period, pointing out that the club held a lengthy training camp ahead of the derby.

Shobeir described six days as a long period to prepare for a single match, which creates another challenge for the coaching staff in terms of maintaining the players’ physical and mental focus until kickoff.

The extended preparation period came during the international break, which gave both clubs additional time to prepare for one of the most anticipated matches on the Egyptian football calendar.

🔥 Al Ahly and Zamalek Set for a Major Derby

Egyptian football fans will turn their attention to Cairo International Stadium for the eagerly awaited clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek following the end of the international break.

The match has generated major public and media interest, particularly because of the close positions of the two teams in the league table and their shared objective of collecting all three points.

📢 Al Ahly vs Zamalek Match Date

The Al Ahly-Zamalek derby will take place on Sunday, October 11, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM Cairo time at Cairo International Stadium.

The match will be the 133rd derby meeting between the two clubs, adding another chapter to one of the biggest rivalries in Egyptian football.

⭐ Al Ahly vs Zamalek Broadcasting Details

The match will be broadcast on On Sport, with a dedicated analytical studio before and after the game.

The studio will feature several Egyptian football stars and experts who will analyze the teams’ preparations, expected lineups and tactical approaches, while also discussing the key moments and technical details from the derby.

Will Moataz Gamal use Oday Dabbagh as a central striker against Al Ahly? And could Zamalek surprise their rivals by changing their tactical formation?

إعلان / Advertisement
Search Directory