Al Ahly continued its disappointing run of form, most recently drawing 1-1 with Ceramica Cleopatra in the first round of the decisive second leg of the 2026 Egyptian League season.
The Red Devils are suffering a significant decline in results both domestically and in Africa, and this draw has greatly reduced their chances of retaining the Egyptian League title, and perhaps even qualifying for the CAF Champions League next season.
Goals from the Al Ahly vs. Ceramica Cleopatra match in the 2026 Egyptian League
In the 38th minute, Fakhri Lakay unleashed a powerful long-range shot that was within reach of goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. However, Shobeir mishandled the ball, allowing it to slip into the net and give Ceramica the lead.
Coach Ali Maher’s team retreated into a defensive posture throughout the second half, under intense pressure from Al Ahly, but without posing a real threat to Mohamed Bassam’s goal except for a few rare opportunities. Nevertheless, Emam Ashour’s teammates never ceased their efforts to find an equalizer.
These persistent attempts finally paid off in the 80th minute when Yasser Ibrahim scored the equalizer for Al Ahly, igniting the match as both teams fought to secure the three points.
Ayman Moka had a golden opportunity to score the winning goal for Ceramica when the ball fell to him inside the penalty area, one-on-one with Shobeir, but he fired his shot wide.
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In the dying moments of stoppage time, a cross struck the hand of Ceramica defender Ahmed Hany inside the penalty area, a controversial incident that prompted Al Ahly players to appeal for a penalty.
The referee was forced to consult VAR and review the footage for over a minute before making his decision, contrary to the hopes of the Al Ahly fans who filled the Osman Ahmed Osman Stadium. He ruled that there was no penalty, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Egyptian Premier League Standings 2026 After Al Ahly’s Draw with Ceramica
Al Ahly reached 41 points and remains in third place, but the gap between them and league leaders Zamalek is now 5 points, with only 5 matches remaining for each team in the Egyptian Premier League.
The truth is that Al Ahly faces the prospect of missing out on the CAF Champions League next season. They trail Pyramids by two points, with the runners-up having a game in hand. A win for Pyramids would extend the gap to 5 points, putting Yce Torup’s team in a very difficult position.
Practically speaking, Ceramica Cleopatra’s chances of winning the title or securing third place and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup remain alive. Ali Maher’s team currently sits in fourth place with 39 points, just two points behind Al Ahly.
Al Ahly’s Remaining Matches in the 2026 Egyptian Premier League
Al Ahly will host Smouha at Cairo International Stadium next Saturday, April 11, 2026, before facing two crucial matches: the first against Pyramids FC on April 27 at the Air Defense Stadium, and the second against Zamalek in the Cairo Derby on May 1.
After that, the Red Devils will play Enppi, and conclude their campaign against Al Masry on May 15 at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
It’s worth noting that Al Ahly was eliminated from the Egypt Cup in the Round of 16 after losing to Telecom Egypt, and also surprised everyone by exiting the CAF Champions League at the hands of Tunisian side Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the quarterfinals.
It is no secret that Al-Ahly’s management wants to dismiss Danish coach Jess Torup, but that would cost the club more than 6 million euros, making it almost impossible before the end of this season, regardless of the results.
