Egyptian Super Cup: Al Ahly fight off Ceramica Cleopatra for place in final

The 2025 Egyptian Super Cup kicked off on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with Al Ahly confirming their place in the final with a 2-1 semifinal victory over Ceramica Cleopatra.

Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” set up Trezeguet for the opening goal inside twenty minutes before Marwan Otaka equalized for Cleopatra to finish a hard fought first half. With the two sides mostly neutralizing each other, a moment of high quality was required to separate the teams in the second half.

Nile League champions Ahly provided that moment early in the second half. Midfielder Marwan Attia floated an excellent pass to the far post from the left wing and Achraf Bencharki nodded the ball back across the six-yard box for Nejc Gradisar to apply the final touch past Cleopatra goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam.

Cleopatra pushed hard for an equalizer and were a bit unlucky to suffer defeat. Striker Fagrie Lakay was denied by an excellent save from Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the 75th minute. A last-minute opportunity for Otaka was blocked by the defense in controversial circumstances with Cleopatra having a firm claim for a handball.

After two consecutive draws in the Nile League, the victory on Thursday sees Ahly return to the win column under recently appointed coach Jess Thorup. The Cairo giants will now have an opportunity to win their fifth consecutive Super Cup against either Pyramids FC or Zamalek, who face off later on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.