Al Ahly dominated arch-rivals Zamalek with a clinical 3-0 victory at Cairo International Stadium in Round 5 of the Egyptian Premier League 2026 title playoffs. The result, coupled with Pyramids’ 3-2 win over Enppi, has set the stage for a dramatic end to the season.
A Disastrous Start for Zamalek
Zamalek had a golden opportunity to take an early lead when Nasser Mansi received the ball inside Mostafa Shobier’s penalty area. However, the striker chose a weak shot over a simple pass to the unmarked Oday Dabbagh, wasting a certain goal.
Al Ahly capitalized on this profligacy in the 17th minute. A poor clearance by defender Hossam Abdelmaguid allowed Emam Ashour to deliver a pinpoint cross to Achraf Bencharki, who headed it past keeper El Mahdy Soliman to open the scoring.
إيه الانهاء ده يا حسين الشحات 🦅🔝 هدفي الأهلي في مرمى الزمالك بتعليق بلال علام pic.twitter.com/9HD0ghj9JC
— ON Sport (@ONTimeSports) May 1, 2026
In the 36th minute, Zamalek’s defense crumbled again. Ahmed Fatouh miscontrolled the ball on the edge of the box, allowing Bencharki to slide a pass to Hussein El Shahat, who coolly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Abdelmaguid’s Penalty Nightmare
Zamalek were handed a lifeline in the 55th minute when Mahmoud Bentayg won a penalty. Hossam Abdelmaguid stepped up to take it, but Mostafa Shobier produced a brilliant save. This marks the second crucial penalty miss for the defender this season, following a similar failure against Enppi.
Trezeguet Misses, Bencharki Seals the Derby
Drama continued in the 66th minute when a VAR review led to an Al Ahly penalty for a handball against Mohamed Shehata. Mahmoud Trezeguet stepped up, but his effort struck the left post.
صديق الأمس منافس اليوم يضيف الهدف الثالث للأهلي بمهارة مميزة 👌🦅
بن شرقي يواصل التألق أمام الزمالك ⚽ pic.twitter.com/KzuOOrJkdM
— ON Sport (@ONTimeSports) May 1, 2026
As Zamalek pushed forward to find a way back, Achraf Bencharki put the game to bed in the 74th minute. His low, unexpected strike caught El Mahdy Soliman off guard, securing his second of the night and Al Ahly’s third.
Egyptian Premier League Standings: The Title Race
This victory marks Al Ahly’s third consecutive win over Zamalek this season, following their 2-1 league win in the first half and a 2-0 triumph in the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE.
The title race is now wide open with only two rounds remaining:
- Zamalek: 50 points (Ahead on head-to-head results).
- Pyramids FC: 50 points.
- Al Ahly: 47 points.
