The Al Ahly vs Zamalek women’s league derby featured the surprise appearance of two foreign players for the White Castle without any prior official announcement.
Ghanaian forward Gladys Amfobia and Nigerian defender Cynthia Ako both played the full 90 minutes in the match, which ended with a 6-0 victory for Al Ahly.
Why Did Zamalek Not Announce the Signings?
A source at Zamalek explained that both players arrived in Cairo at 2 p.m., just two hours before kickoff.
The limited time meant there was not enough opportunity to photograph the players or officially announce their arrival before the match.
Despite arriving shortly before kickoff, both players took part in the derby and completed the entire 90 minutes.
Who Is Gladys Amfobia?
Gladys Amfobia is a Ghanaian forward who began her career in Ghana with Lady Strikers.
In August 2025, she joined Wadi Degla before leaving the club at the end of the previous season. She has now joined Zamalek and appeared against Al Ahly.
Cynthia Ako Returns to Zamalek
Nigerian defender Cynthia Ako also has previous experience with Zamalek.
Ako played for the club during its first season in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League before leaving at the end of the campaign.
She has now returned to Zamalek and featured in the derby against Al Ahly.
Cynthia Ako Scored Zamalek’s First Derby Goal
Cynthia Ako holds a special place in Zamalek’s history in the women’s derby after scoring the club’s first-ever goal against Al Ahly.
Her goal remained Zamalek’s only goal across the first five women’s matches between the two teams.
Al Ahly Beat Zamalek 6-0
The Egyptian Women’s Premier League derby ended with Al Ahly defeating Zamalek 6-0, with Gladys Amfobia and Cynthia Ako both completing the match for the White team.
Their unexpected appearance attracted attention, particularly because they arrived in Cairo on the same day and only hours before the derby.
Who were the two foreign players who appeared for Zamalek?
They were Ghanaian forward Gladys Amfobia and Nigerian defender Cynthia Ako.
Why were the signings not announced before the match?
The players arrived in Cairo only two hours before kickoff, leaving insufficient time for photos and an official announcement.
Who is Gladys Amfobia?
She is a Ghanaian forward who previously played for Lady Strikers in Ghana and Wadi Degla in Egypt.
Has Cynthia Ako played for Zamalek before?
Yes. She previously played for Zamalek during the club’s first season in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League.
Who scored Zamalek’s first women’s derby goal against Al Ahly?
Cynthia Ako scored Zamalek’s first goal in the history of the women’s derby.
