Zamalek SC has clinched the Egypt Cup title for the 29th time in its history, following a thrilling victory over Pyramids FC in a penalty shootout. The final match, held at Cairo International Stadium this evening, saw both teams battle to a 1-1 draw after regular and extra time.
Pyramids FC opened the scoring in the first half through their player Ahmed Qatta, before Zamalek’s Nasser Mansi leveled the score in the second half. With the tie persisting through extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout, which Zamalek decisively won 8-7, thanks to the composure of their players during the spot kicks.
This triumph marks Zamalek’s 29th Egypt Cup title, bringing new joy to their fans after a season filled with ups and downs.
Match Details: Pyramids FC Takes Early Lead
The match began with Pyramids FC dominating proceedings, launching several attacks that, however, posed little threat to Zamalek’s goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhy. In the 9th minute, Marwan Hamdy’s header nearly found the net. Zamalek’s first real threat came in the 13th minute from a corner kick, which they failed to capitalize on.
In the 14th minute, Morocco’s Mohamed El-Shibi received a yellow card for a rough tackle on Zamalek’s Seif Jaafar. Both teams then continued to exchange control and possession in midfield. In the 29th minute, Pyramids FC’s Ahmed Atef “Qatta” broke the deadlock, scoring the first goal for his side.
Zamalek’s Second Half Comeback and Equalizer
At the start of the second half, Zamalek’s coach, Ayman El-Ramady, made offensive substitutions, bringing in Nasser Maher for Donja and Nasser Mansi for El-Geziri. The White Knights immediately sought an equalizer, launching a dangerous attack in the 46th minute.
In the 50th minute, Pyramids FC’s Marwan Hamdy missed a golden opportunity for a second goal after an excellent cross from El-Shibi. A minute later, in a swift counter-attack, Nasser Mansi almost scored the equalizer for Zamalek, but El-Shenawy made a crucial save.
In the 60th minute, Mostafa Shalaby of Zamalek squandered a clear chance after dribbling past defenders and going one-on-one with the Pyramids FC goalkeeper, but he shot wide.
El-Ramady further boosted his team’s attack in the 64th minute, introducing Mahmoud Bentayg for Seif Jaafar. Pyramids FC’s coach also made changes, bringing on Karim Hafez for Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi for Ahmed Atef “Qatta”.
Zamalek players then controlled the match, pushing for the equalizer, but without creating significant danger on El-Shenawy’s goal.
The Equalizer and Penalty Shootout Drama
In the 78th minute, Nasser Mansi finally found the equalizer for Zamalek after breaking through on El-Shenawy and scoring. Pyramids FC goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy sustained an injury and was replaced by substitute Sherif Ekramy. El-Ramady also introduced Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala” for Abdullah El-Said, and Mostafa El-Zenary came on for Omar Gaber in the 88th minute.
In the final minutes of the match, both teams tried to score the winning goal, but to no avail.
Before the penalty shootout, Zamalek’s technical staff substituted Mohamed Sobhy with Mohamed Awad specifically for the penalty kicks. This proved to be a decisive move, as Zamalek calmly converted their penalties to secure an 8-7 victory.
Team Lineups:
Zamalek Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed Sobhy.
- Defenders: Ahmed Fattouh, Mahmoud Hamdy “El-Wensh”, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Omar Gaber.
- Midfielders: Nabil Emad “Donja”, Mohamed Shehata, Abdullah El-Said, Seif Jaafar.
- Forwards: Mostafa Shalaby, Seif El-Geziri.
Zamalek Substitutes: Mohamed Awad, Mahmoud Bentayg, Salah Moseddek, Mostafa El-Zenary, Nasser Maher, Mohamed El-Sayed, Ahmed Abdel Rahim “Eisho”, Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala”, Nasser Mansi.
Pyramids FC Starting Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ahmed El-Shenawy.
- Defenders: Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei, Mohamed El-Shibi.
- Midfielders: Blati Toure, Mohanad Lasheen, Walid El-Karti, Ahmed Atef “Qatta”, Ibrahim Adel.
- Forward: Marwan Hamdy.
Pyramids FC Substitutes: Sherif Ekramy, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Tawfik, Karim Hafez, Sidiki Ejola, Mostafa Fathi, Dodo El-Gabas, Youssef Obama, Abdel Rahman Magdy.
Match Officials:
Mahmoud Bassiouny officiated the match as the center referee, assisted by Sami Hahlal and Youssef El-Bassaty. Mohamed Youssef served as the fourth official.
Zamalek SC Honors:
Zamalek SC boasts a rich history of achievements and titles, both domestically and continentally. Here are some of their most prominent honors:
Domestic Competitions:
- Egyptian Premier League: 14 titles.
- Egypt Cup: 29 titles (including the 2025 title).
- Egyptian Super Cup: 4 titles.
- Cairo League: 13 titles.
- Sultan Hussein Cup: 2 titles.
African Competitions:
- CAF Champions League: 5 titles.
- CAF Cup Winners’ Cup: 1 title.
- CAF Super Cup: 4 titles.
- Afro-Asian Club Championship: 1 title.
Arab Competitions:
- Arab Club Champions Cup: 1 title.
- Egyptian-Saudi Super Cup: 2 titles.
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