Al Ahly clinch historic 45th Nile Egyptian League title with dominant victory over Pharco
- Hossam Ahmed
- May 28
- 3 min read
Al Ahly have officially secured the Egyptian Nile League title for a record-extending 45th time after a resounding 6-0 victory over Pharco in the final round of the title phase.
The Red Devils entered the match needing a win to guarantee the title, with just a two-point lead over second-placed Pyramids FC, and they delivered in emphatic fashion.
Abou Ali Super Hat-Trick Steals the Show
Al Ahly wasted no time asserting their dominance. Forward Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a close-range strike following a low cross from Ahmed Nabil "Koka".
Abou Ali doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, converting another low cross, this time from Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki.
The 61st minute saw Abou Ali complete his hat-trick in style with a strong direct free-kick to make it 3-0.
Five minutes later, he added his fourth goal of the night after being picked out by a low delivery from veteran left-back Ali Maâloul.
Following the fourth goal, emotional scenes unfolded as Al Ahly players gathered to celebrate with Maâloul, who is widely believed to have played his final match for the club. The Tunisian international bid farewell to the fans in what appeared to be a goodbye after years of legendary service.
In the 75th minute, Hussein El Shahat added Al Ahly’s fifth with a powerful shot from inside the box, assisted by none other than Wessam Abou Ali.
Emam Ashour, the league’s top scorer, completed the rout in stoppage time (90+3) after a selfless assist from El Shahat, choosing to pass rather than score into an empty net.
Ashour’s goal took his season tally to 13, making him the league's top scorer.
Pyramids Win but Fall Short
Despite a 5-1 win over Ceramica Cleopatra, Pyramids FC’s hopes of a maiden league title were dashed by Al Ahly’s triumph. Pyramids had fielded a rotated squad, with one eye on their CAF Champions League final second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns scheduled for June 1.
Abdelrahman Magdy opened the scoring for Pyramids in the 15th minute from the penalty spot, but Ceramica equalized through Ahmed Belhadji (22’, penalty).
Marwan Hamdy restored the lead just two minutes later with a header. Magdy then struck again in the 61st minute to make it 3-1.
Pyramids continued to press forward and netted their fourth goal in the 83rd minute through Youssef “Obama,” who headed the ball home.
Just two minutes later, Fiston Mayele wrapped up the scoring with a goal in the 85th minute. The striker was set up by Ahmed Atef "Kotta," who made a skillful move and deceived both the goalkeeper and a defender before delivering a low pass for Mayele to slot into the net.
The victory took Pyramids to 56 points—two behind champions Al Ahly, who finished with 58.
Legal Twist Still Looming
Although the league standings are finalized, Pyramids have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a three-point deduction from Al Ahly for their no-show in the Cairo Derby back in March. The Egyptian Clubs Association had previously ruled that Al Ahly forfeited the match but would not be penalized further. The CAS decision could have major implications for the title outcome.
One particularly interesting moment during the match came when the Pyramids substitutes and coach were seen celebrating as the team took the lead. The scenes suggested they may have hopes regarding their ongoing appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could result in a three-point deduction for Al Ahly — a decision that, if granted, would crown Pyramids as league champions.
Other Results
Elsewhere, Al Masry secured a 2-0 win over Haras El Hodoud, sealing fourth place and a spot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. Petrojet and National Bank played out a goalless draw.
Title Phase Table
GP | Points | |
Al Ahly | 25 | 58 |
Pyramids FC | 25 | 56 |
Zamalek | 24 | 44 |
Al Masry | 25 | 42 |
National Bank | 25 | 38 |
Ceramica Cleopatra | 25 | 37 |
Pharco | 24 | 32 |
Petrojet | 25 | 27 |
Haras El Hodoud | 25 | 24 |
Al Ahly and Pyramids qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.
Zamalek qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.
