Zamalek secure third place as three-way battle for top four heats up in Nile Egyptian League

Photo credit: Zamalek SC

Three key matches were played in the penultimate round of the title phase in the Nile Egyptian League, with Zamalek sealing third place and Al Masry igniting the race for the top four spots.

Petrojet 1–3 Zamalek

Zamalek came from behind to defeat Petrojet 3–1 away from home.

he hosts took an early lead in the 24th minute through Rashad Metwally, who fired home from inside the box after receiving a well-placed pass from teammate Gabriel Chukwudi.

However, Zamalek responded quickly. Defender Hossam Abdel Maguid equalized from the penalty spot in the 30th minute. In the second half, young talent Ahmed Abdel Rahim "Esho" put Zamalek ahead with a beautifully struck shot from inside the area in the 50th minute.

Veteran star Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala” sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a powerful shot that struck the post, then hit the Petrojet goalkeeper before crossing the line.

With this win, Zamalek reach 44 points, securing third place in the standings, five points ahead of fourth-placed Al Masry with one round remaining. Petrojet, meanwhile, remain in eighth place with 26 points.

National Bank 0–1 Al Masry

In a dramatic clash in the race for the top four, Al Masry claimed a last-gasp victory over National Bank.

The match’s only goal came in stoppage time of the second half, when a goalkeeping error from National Bank led to the ball rebounding off one of their own players and into the net following a corner kick.

This crucial win ends a four-match winless streak for Al Masry in the league, lifting them back to fourth place with 39 points. National Bank drop to sixth with 36 points.

Ceramica Cleopatra 2–0 Haras El Hodoud

Ceramica Cleopatra kept their hopes of a top four finish alive with a 2–0 home victory over Haras El Hodoud.

Defender Ragab Nabil opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a header from a corner delivered by Mohamed Reda "Bobo".

The lead was doubled in the 58th minute when Mahmoud Zalaka finished clinically after receiving another assist from Reda Bobo.

Ceramica now climb to fifth place with 37 points, while Haras El Hodoud remain at the bottom of the title-deciding group table with 24 points.

With one round remaining, Al Masry, Ceramica Cleopatra and National Bank still have hopes for the fourth-place spot, which means the final round will be decisive.

League Table: Title Phase

	GP	Points
Al Ahly	7	55
Pyramids	7	53
Zamalek	7	44
Al Masry	7	39
Ceramica Cleopatra	7	37
National Bank	7	37
Pharco	6	32
Petrojet	7	26
Haras El Hodoud	7	24

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

• The third and fourth place finishers qualify for the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup because Egypt cup final features two top three teams.