Al Ahly and Zamalek Reach Egyptian Super Cup Final

Both Al Ahly and Zamalek advanced to the final of the Egyptian Super Cup — currently being held in the United Arab Emirates — after semifinal victories over Ceramica Cleopatra and Pyramids FC, respectively.Al Ahly defeated Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, while Zamalek edged Pyramids 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The final will take place on Sunday at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Al Ahly will be chasing a record-extending 16th title, while Zamalek aim for their fifth crown and first since 2020. The two sides also met in last year’s final, which Al Ahly won on penalties after a goalless draw in extra time.

In the first semifinal, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” gave Al Ahly the lead with a close-range header from an Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” cross (19’).

Marwan Osman equalized for Ceramica in the 41st minute after being played through by Moroccan Ahmed Belhadj, finishing calmly past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

Al Ahly regained the lead in the 52nd minute when Zizo delivered another cross, this time to Moroccan Achraf Bencharki, who set up Slovenian Nejc Gradišar to slot home the winner.

In the second semifinal, Zamalek triumphed on penalties after Mostafa Abdelraouf “Ziko” missed Pyramids’ fifth spot-kick, while Zamalek converted all five of theirs to book a place in the final.

The first half offered few chances, with the main incident being an injury to Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh, who was replaced by Ahmed Sherif. Pyramids dominated much of the second half and pressed hard for a winner but failed to break down Zamalek’s organized defense, sending the match to penalties — where the “White Knights” held their nerve to continue their campaign under interim coach Ahmed Abdelraouf.