Nile Egyptian League: Pyramids defeat Zamalek, Al Ahly edge Ceramica Cleopatra

Al Ahly SC/Facebook

The Nile Egyptian League has entered its decisive stage, and today witnessed four matches in the title phase with Al Ahly and Pyramids both emerging victorious.

Ceramica Cleopatra 0-1 Al Ahly

Al Ahly claimed a hard-fought away victory over Ceramica Cleopatra with a narrow 1-0 scoreline.

The only goal of the match was scored by Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki in the 20th minute of the first half. He received a pass inside the penalty area from Emam Ashour and skillfully slotted the ball into the net.

Ceramica Cleopatra came extremely close to equalizing in the final seconds of the game, specifically in the 95th minute, when Mohamed Reda fired a shot from inside the box. However, Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim made a crucial block after the ball had beaten goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

This marks Al Ahly’s fourth consecutive league win, having won all their matches since their exit from the CAF Champions League semifinals at the hands of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

With this victory, Al Ahly climbs to 52 points at the top of the title phase standings in the Nile Egyptian League, while Ceramica Cleopatra remains at 31 points in sixth place.

Zamalek 0-1 Pyramids

Pyramids secured an important away win over Zamalek with a 1-0 result, keeping their hopes in the race for the title.

The winning goal was scored by Ibrahim Adel in the 21st minute, capitalizing on an error by Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad. The keeper failed to deal with a cross properly, and the ball rebounded then Adel converted it from close range.

Zamalek has now failed to win in four consecutive league matches, having lost this game and drawn the previous three.

With this win, Pyramids increase their tally to 50 points, holding second place in the title-deciding Group of the Nile Egyptian League. Zamalek, on the other hand, stays at 41 points in third place.

Given that only two rounds remain in the competition, Zamalek has now officially lost any chance of qualifying for next season’s CAF Champions League.

Other matches

In the two other games of the day, Pharco vs Al Masry and Haras El Hodoud vs National Bank both ended in 1-1 draws.

Title Phase Table

	GP	Points
Al Ahly	23	52
Pyramids	23	50
Zamalek	23	41
National Bank	22	37
Al Masry	22	36
Ceramica Cleopatra	22	31
Pharco	22	31
Petrojet	22	26
Haras El Hodoud	22	23

• The league champions and runners-up qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

• The third place finisher qualifies for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup.