K.O. 19:00 Cairo local time | 12:00 ET CANADA-USA
Venue: Cairo International Stadium
Referee: Espen Eskas (Norway)
Egyptian giants Al Ahly are set for a high-stakes showdown against bitter rivals Zamalek on Matchday 15 of the Egyptian Premier League. The Red Devils will storm Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, determined to reclaim the top spot and assert their dominance in this heated derby clash.
The reigning champions step onto the pitch with their sights set on reclaiming the league’s top spot. Ahly currently sit second with 32 points, trailing leaders Pyramids FC by just one. With Pyramids facing Talae El-Geish on Sunday, a win is essential for the Red Devils to stay in the title race.
Beyond the standings, Ahly—founded in 1907—aim to extend their historical supremacy over archrivals Zamalek, who were established in 1911. In 253 clashes across all competitions, the Red Devils have dominated with 110 victories, while Zamalek have managed just 61 wins, with 82 encounters ending in draws.
In their most recent battles, the Red Devils triumphed over the White Knights to lift the Egyptian Super Cup in October 2024, avenging their earlier defeat in the CAF Super Cup just weeks prior.
Under Swiss tactician Marcel Koller, Ahly have been in stellar form this season, racking up nine wins and three draws. They boast the league’s most lethal attack, netting 26 goals, while maintaining one of the stingiest defenses, conceding just eight.
The Red Devils enter the derby brimming with confidence after a dominant 4-0 rout of Ismaily last Sunday, extending their unbeaten streak to four games. That victory was further sweetened by the return of Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali and Moroccan defender Achraf Dari, both making comeback appearances after lengthy injury spells.
The highly anticipated clash could also witness the debut of Ahly’s Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki, a January signing and former Zamalek star, who has been included in the squad. The 30-year-old winger joined the Red Devils on a two-and-a-half-year deal from Qatari side Al-Rayyan during the winter transfer window.
On the other side, Zamalek head into the match after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Petrojet, a result that highlighted their ongoing struggles in recent seasons. Sitting third in the table with 27 points, the White Knights are desperate for a victory to close the gap on their rivals and reignite their title challenge.
However, Portuguese coach José Peseiro, in just his second game at the helm, faces a selection dilemma with several key players sidelined. Defender Hamza Mathlouthi, new midfield signing Mahmoud Gehad, defender Ahmed Fatouh, veteran playmaker Mahmoud “Shikabala” Abdel-Razik, and midfielder Ahmed Hamdi are all ruled out due to injury, while Nasser Maher is suspended.
LIVE: Al Ahly SC v Zamalek SC | EPL Cairo Derby 2025
K.O. 19:00 Cairo local time | 12:00 ET CANADA-USA
LIVE FEED WILL UPDATE BEFORE THE K.O.
