⚽ The derby matters, but the Champions League comes first
Sports critic Abdel Latif Fawzi believes Zamalek must establish clear priorities during the upcoming period, stressing that the Cairo derby against Al Ahly is important but should not overshadow the club’s bigger continental objective.
Speaking on “Zamalek Voice” radio, Fawzi argued that qualifying for the CAF Champions League group stage should be the club’s main target during the current month.
The timing of the derby makes the situation especially important, as Zamalek will face Rwanda Patriotic Army only a few days later in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the African competition.
The first leg is scheduled for October 16 in Kigali, with the return leg taking place on October 24 in Cairo.
🔥 Fawzi warns against letting the derby affect Zamalek
Fawzi stressed that Zamalek should not allow the result against Al Ahly to influence its preparation for the Champions League clash.
A derby victory could produce excessive confidence, while a defeat could lead to unnecessary pressure. For that reason, the former critic believes Zamalek must close the derby chapter immediately after the final whistle and switch its attention to the African tie.
Fawzi referred to a previous Zamalek experience under Jose Gomes, when the team defeated Al Ahly before drawing 0-0 with Ghanaian side Dreams in Cairo in the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final first leg, then recovered to win the return fixture in Ghana.
🇷🇼 Rwanda Patriotic Army await Zamalek
The upcoming meeting with Rwanda Patriotic Army presents a different type of challenge because it is an away continental fixture and the opening match of a two-leg tie.
According to the latest announced schedule, the first leg between Rwanda Patriotic Army and Zamalek will kick off at 5:00 p.m. Cairo time on Friday, October 16, at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium. The return leg is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 8:00 p.m. at Cairo International Stadium.
Fawzi also discussed the reported postponement of Rwanda Patriotic Army’s domestic fixture against Sudanese club Al Hilal, suggesting that the Rwandan side may be focusing heavily on the Zamalek encounter. That point remains a claim attributed to the critic rather than an independently confirmed explanation for the postponement.
⭐ Zamalek need a different approach to the coming period
From Fawzi’s perspective, the derby should be treated as an important league fixture rather than a match that determines Zamalek’s entire season.
The game comes in only the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League, while Champions League qualification carries broader sporting importance because of the value of reaching the group stage.
That makes squad management particularly important. Zamalek will need to avoid unnecessary injuries and suspensions while ensuring that the players remain mentally focused after the derby.
🏆 The main target: getting past Rwanda Patriotic Army
Fawzi’s central message is that Zamalek should enter the coming weeks with one clear objective: qualifying for the Champions League group stage.
The club faces two major fixtures within a short period, beginning with the Al Ahly derby on October 11 before traveling to Rwanda for the Champions League first leg five days later.
The real challenge, therefore, will be Zamalek’s ability to manage the derby emotionally and physically before quickly turning the page and preparing for the continental test that could have a greater impact on the club’s season.
Do you agree with Abdel Latif Fawzi that reaching the Champions League group stage is more important than the derby result? Share your opinion.
