Heavy defeat for Al Ahly against Pyramids

Pyramids delivered a stunning performance with a 3-0 victory over reigning champions Al Ahly in Matchday 4 of the Egyptian Premier League title-deciding phase, dealing a major blow to the holders and effectively knocking them out of the title race. Meanwhile, leaders Zamalek came under increased pressure after being held to a goalless draw by ENPPI.

At the Air Defense Stadium in Cairo, Congolese striker Fiston Mayele was the standout performer, scoring twice in the 70th and 77th minutes before Karim Hafez sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty. The result lifted Pyramids to 47 points in second place, narrowing the gap to leaders Zamalek to just three points.

Al Ahly, on the other hand, suffered a damaging defeat that left them on 44 points in third place, effectively ending their hopes of retaining the title with only three rounds remaining.

Key moments of the match

The match began at a high tempo, with Al Ahly looking to assert their dominance early on. Mohamed Sherif nearly opened the scoring after a cross from Mohamed Hany, but goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy was alert to the danger. Despite this, Pyramids gradually took control of the first half, though they lacked the final touch in front of goal.

Al Ahly’s best chance in the opening period came through Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet,” whose header narrowly missed the target. At the start of the second half, Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurčić made a forced substitution, bringing on Walid El Karti for the injured Mahmoud Marei, which added stability to the midfield.

In the 58th minute, Pyramids came close when Mayele broke through on goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. The rebound fell to Nasser Maher, who shot toward an empty net, but Yasser Ibrahim made a crucial last-ditch clearance.

Al Ahly manager Jess Thorup responded with attacking changes, introducing Moroccan Achraf Bencharki and Tunisia’s Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane in an attempt to regain control. However, a defensive error by Yasser Ibrahim in the 70th minute gifted Pyramids the opener, as Mayele capitalized and finished clinically.

Al Ahly tried to respond quickly, and Trezeguet appeared to have equalized, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside against Bencharki. Minutes later, Mayele took advantage of Al Ahly’s forward push, winning the ball in midfield and racing through to score his second with a composed finish.

In the closing stages, Pyramids were awarded a penalty after Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” fouled Karim Hafez, who stepped up and converted to complete the 3-0 victory.

In another match, Zamalek failed to capitalize on Al Ahly’s defeat, settling for a goalless draw against ENPPI at Cairo International Stadium despite strong fan support. ENPPI started brightly and were the more dangerous side early on, while Zamalek improved in the second half but could not find the breakthrough, with Mahmoud “El-Wensh” seeing a header strike the crossbar and several chances going to waste.

With these results, the title race remains wide open heading into the final rounds, as Zamalek prepare for a decisive clash against Al Ahly, while Pyramids continue their pursuit in hopes of snatching top spot in the closing stages of the season.