Achraf Bencharki (R) played a key role in Zamalek s 2-1 win over Ahly in the Egypt Cup final (Ahram)
Bencharki bid farewell to Zamalek in style, producing a virtuoso display as the White Knights defeated Ahly 2-1 for their 28th Egypt Cup triumph.
Zamalek had tried to keep him until the end of the season in late August but Bencharki reached an agreement with them to leave following the Egypt Cup final so that he can join his new team's pre-season preparations amid reports that he is heading to a Qatari club.
The 27-year-old's deal ran out after he enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Zamalek, contributing to a Premier League crown, two Egypt Cup triumphs and Egyptian and African Super Cup wins.
Zamalek begin life after him with a tough clash at home to Alexandria-based club Smouha, who are known for claiming the scalps of top guns, on Sunday.
"Came like a champion, left like a legend … Some endings do not necessarily mean the conclusion of the story, but they can also mean an extension of something else, more beautiful," Zamalek said of Bencharki on their social media accounts.
Smouha usually prove a tough nut to crack as Zamalek eye a fifth straight league win. They defeated Zamalek 2-0 in the reverse league fixture in February before beating Ahly 3-2 last month.
Zamalek will have to do without midfield linchpin Tarek Hamed, goalkeeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal and Moroccan winger Mohamed Ounajem for the remaining nine matches of the prolonged season after their contracts also expired.
Against Smouha, the team will also miss key midfielder Emam Ashour, scorer of the second goal in the Egypt Cup win over Ahly, due to suspension.
The defending champions top the league table with 57 points, four ahead of Pyramids FC and nine clear of third-placed Ahly, who have two matches in hand.
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