Al Ahly Edge Zamalek to Claim Egypt’s “Clasico”

Defending champions Al Ahly came out on top in the Egyptian Clasico with a thrilling 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium, closing out Matchday 9 of the Egyptian Premier League.

Zamalek struck first through Hossam Abdelmaguid from the spot (32’), but Ahly hit back in the second half with goals from substitute Hussein El Shahat (72’) and Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” (77’ pen.). The “Club of the Century” extended their winning streak to three and picked up their fourth win of the season, moving up to 15 points with a game in hand. They climbed into third place, just two points behind leaders Zamalek, who suffered their second defeat of the campaign.

Ahly went into the clash missing several key players, including ex-Zamalek duo Emam Ashour (illness) and Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” (injury), along with Moroccan defender Achraf Dari, Mohamed Shokry, Karim Fouad, Mohamed Magdy “Afsha,” and Slovenian Nejc Gradisar.

Interim coach and former defender Emad El Nahhas opted for a front line of Taher Mohamed Taher, Trezeguet, Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki, and Mohamed Sherif, while Tunisian Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane returned to the starting XI.

By contrast, Zamalek were nearly at full strength apart from Mohamed Shehata (injury) and Angolan winger Chico Banza (tactical decision). Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera preferred a front four of Nasser Maher, Palestinians Adam Kaid and Oday Dabbagh, and Brazilian Joao Alfinha, supported by veteran playmaker and ex-Ahly star Abdallah El Said.

The game’s early drama came when Spanish referee Soto Grado awarded Zamalek a penalty after Yassin Marei fouled Dabbagh. Abdallah El Said stepped up but his effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy. After VAR review, the spot-kick was retaken due to Yasser Ibrahim encroaching, and this time Abdelmaguid converted with a powerful strike into the top-left corner (26’).

El Nahhas introduced El Shahat for Taher Mohamed Taher (69’), and within three minutes the substitute made his mark. After a neat exchange with Sherif, El Shahat rifled home the equaliser (72’). Minutes later, he won a penalty which Trezeguet coolly dispatched to put Ahly in front (77’).

Zamalek came agonisingly close to levelling deep into stoppage time. Substitute Amr Nasser’s header from an El Said cross smacked off the crossbar (90+3’), before another chance from El Said’s delivery to Nasser drifted just wide (90+7’).

Elsewhere, Ismaily fell 2-1 at home to National Bank of Egypt, with Mohamed Ammar (76’ pen.) scoring for the hosts and Mostafa Shalaby (20’) plus Osama Faisal (27’) striking for the visitors. Gouna and Ceramica Cleopatra shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, with Marwan Mohsen (54’ pen.) netting for Gouna and Ragab Nabil (76’) equalising.