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Zamalek attacking midfielder, Ahmed Mostafa Sayed, better known as “Zizo”, says the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup 2024 final between them and their old-time foes, Al Ahly will be a highly intense.
As champions of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, Zamalek face their Egyptian rivals who lifted the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in what promises to be an action-filled match up on Friday, 27 September at the award-winning Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kick-off is at 21h00 Local Time (18h00 GMT)
In an exclusive sit-down with CAFonline.com, the dangerous attacked expressed his ambition of winning the title for the fifth time in the club’s history since last winning it in 2020.
Zizou also shares how special the victory will be should it come at the hands of their rivals, Al Ahly who are the most successful club in the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup with 8 titles.
CAFonline.com: You are facing Al Ahly, the most successful club in the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, which you know well. What would you say is required to win such a match?
Zizo: Not only is this one of the most important trophies to win in Africa, but it involves two arch-rivals that have a rich history in African football. We want to deliver a high-quality match that shines a spotlight on Egyptian football. Portuguese coach José Gomes and his staff are working hard with us to prepare for this challenge. It will require a lot of mental toughness. We can prepare well tactically but mental toughness will be key in such a match.
What is your technical analysis of the match and what message did the technical staff give you before the final?
The most important thing will be to stay fully focused and take advantage of every opportunity. Our ambition is to win this cup, especially since Zamalek can count on the support of its many fans in the Gulf, who will be there to cheer us on. Our goal is to make them proud. Technically, we know that they are a very good and disciplined side who will be very difficult to break but equally so, we have the quality and ambition to get the job done and make our fans happy.
Tickets for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup sold out in 24 hours. How do you perceive this atmosphere that promises to be electric at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh?
The atmosphere at the Kingdom Arena will be exceptional, with a strong presence of Egyptian and Saudi supporters. This will delight us as players and give us an added push, as this match will be between the two biggest clubs in Africa and the enthusiasm of the fans will be immense, pushing us to give our best.
Personally, what would it mean to win the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup?
As a player, my ambition is to win the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup for the second time with the “White Knights”. I already won this title in 2020 against Espérance de Tunis, a highlight in my career. I hope to relive it to further inscribe my name in the history of Zamalek.
It is every players dream to play such matches and more importantly, lift the title and add your name to the long list of great African footballers who won this tournament.
Zamalek’s last victory in the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup was in 2020. The fans must be eager to relive that experience, right?
Zamalek fans are eagerly awaiting this title, and we are determined to win it, especially since this edition against Al Ahly has a special significance. Since my arrival in 2019, I have had the chance to contribute to several successes for Zamalek, and we want to continue to enrich the club’s record.
What message would you like to send to Zamalek supporters ahead of the final?
I ask the fans to support us, whether in the stadium or in front of their screens. We need your energy and confidence at this time. Believe in us, and God willing, we will bring back this title for the fifth time in the history of Zamalek.
CAF ONLINE