Kings of the Cup: Zamalek Conquer Pyramids in Epic Penalty Thriller
In a night of high stakes and raw emotion at the Cairo International Stadium, Zamalek etched their name once again into the annals of Egyptian football history, clinching their 29th Egypt Cup title in a breathtaking penalty shootout against a formidable Pyramids FC.
The final, which ended 1-1 after a grueling 120 minutes of football, culminated in an 8-7 victory from the spot for the White Knights, a dramatic conclusion to a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The encounter was a classic tale of two halves, with Pyramids FC drawing first blood in the 29th minute. A well-placed header from Ahmed Atef sent the Pyramids supporters into a frenzy and put Zamalek on the back foot. For much of the match, it seemed as though that single goal might be enough to deny Zamalek the coveted trophy. The White Knights, however, have long been renowned for their fighting spirit, and they clawed their way back into the contest with a tenacity that has defined their storied history.
As the clock ticked down, the pressure mounted on Zamalek. With their hopes of cup glory fading, it was substitute Nasser Mansi who emerged as the hero of the hour. In the 78th minute, Mansi found the back of the net, sending the Zamalek faithful into raptures and breathing new life into his team. The equalizer was a testament to Zamalek’s resilience and set the stage for a tense period of extra time. Despite both teams creating chances, neither could find a winner, and the final was destined to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shootout.
What followed was a masterclass in nerve and precision from the penalty spot. Both teams traded successful penalties, with the tension escalating with each kick. In the end, it was the veteran, the iconic Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel-Razek, who stepped up to take the decisive penalty. With the weight of his club’s expectations on his shoulders, Shikabala showed nerves of steel, coolly slotting the ball home to seal the victory and unleash scenes of unbridled joy among the Zamalek players and supporters.
This victory is more than just another trophy for Zamalek; it is a symbol of their enduring spirit and a much-needed triumph in what has been a challenging season. For the fans, it is a reminder of why they call their team the “White Knights,” a team that, even in the face of adversity, can rise to the occasion and claim its place at the pinnacle of Egyptian football.
