Zamalek fans continue to target captain Ahmed Fattouh despite Champions League progress

Zamalek secured a place in the group stage of the African Champions League with a 1-0 win over the Rwandan Army on Saturday, but captain Ahmed Fattouh was again subjected to criticism from the club’s supporters.

The Egyptian side advanced from the last-32 tie by the same aggregate score after also winning the first leg 1-0. However, supporters inside Cairo International Stadium directed hostile chants at Fattouh after the final whistle.

The left-back appeared angry as the chants continued, marking the second consecutive match in which Zamalek fans have targeted the Egypt international.

Fattouh was also criticised during Zamalek’s previous game against Asyut Petroleum in the Egyptian Premier League. No clear reason has been given for the repeated hostility towards the defender.

Zamalek’s qualification represents a return to the Champions League group stage after an absence of three full years. During that period, the club competed in the African Confederation Cup, winning the competition once and finishing runners-up on another occasion.

In the Egyptian Premier League, Zamalek are third in the table with 16 points. They are five points behind leaders Pyramids and one point adrift of second-placed Al Ahly.