Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a match that lived up to its historic billing, Al Ahly came from behind to secure a dramatic 2–1 victory over archrivals Zamalek in the 131st Cairo Derby, held as part of the ninth round of the Egyptian Premier League. The result saw Al Ahly leapfrog to third place in the table, just two points behind league leaders Zamalek who have played one match more.
Despite trailing at halftime, Al Ahly turned the tide with a second-half resurgence, capped by goals from Hussein El Shahat and Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet.” Zamalek had initially taken the lead through a first-half penalty converted by defender Hossam Abdelmaguid.
Early Drama and Missed Opportunities
The match began with high intensity as Zamalek nearly broke the deadlock just four minutes in. Joan Becerra led a swift counterattack and threaded a pass to the onrushing Oday Dabbagh, whose low strike was impressively parried by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Shortly afterward, play was halted due to a collision involving El Shenawy and teammate Yasser Ibrahim, who collided while trying to clear a threatening ball from the Zamalek attack.
Zamalek continued to press in the opening quarter, with Nasser Maher missing narrowly from close range after a quick team move in the 11th minute. Moments later, Zamalek almost scored an own goal when Hossam Abdelmaguid nearly deflected a cross into his own net, forcing a corner.
Al Ahly responded with a series of half-chances, including a header from Yasser Ibrahim and a long-range effort from Trezeguet that flew just over the bar.
Turning Point: Controversial Penalty
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute after Oday Dabbagh chased a long ball and was brought down near the box, prompting referee Pablo González Fuertes of Spain to point to the spot. Although veteran midfielder Abdullah El Said initially saw his penalty saved by El Shenawy, a VAR check showed encroachment by an Al Ahly defender. The spot-kick was retaken this time converted by Abdelmaguid in the 32nd minute to give Zamalek the lead.
Dabbagh, however, would not continue much longer, limping off injured two minutes later and replaced by striker Nasser Mansi.
Al Ahly thought they had earned a penalty of their own just before the break after a handball appeal against Mahmoud Bentayg, but the referee overturned his decision after a VAR review, waving play on.
Al Ahly’s Second-Half Revival
The second half began with Al Ahly in control of possession, while Zamalek attempted to hold their lead with deeper defensive lines. The Red Devils looked sharper and more purposeful, and they nearly equalized in the 58th minute when Trezeguet’s low shot skimmed just wide of the post.
Zamalek’s best chance of the half came shortly after, but substitute Achraf Bencharki made a crucial defensive clearance at the opposite end to deny a dangerous cross aimed at Nasser Maher.
Sensing the urgency, Al Ahly manager Emad El Nahhas made a decisive substitution, introducing Hussein El Shahat for Taher Mohamed in the 69th minute a move that paid immediate dividends.
Just two minutes later, El Shahat combined beautifully with Mohamed Sherif in a fluid passing exchange before unleashing a powerful strike that beat goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi to level the score at 1–1 in the 71st minute.
Penalty Drama Swings Momentum
Momentum fully swung in Al Ahly’s favor when El Shahat was brought down in the box by Mahmoud Bentayg just four minutes later. This time, there was no debate: penalty awarded. Trezeguet stepped up and confidently blasted the ball into the center of the goal, completing the comeback in the 78th minute.
With their backs against the wall, Zamalek manager Yannick Ferreira made a series of substitutions, including bringing on Omar Nasser and Abdelhamid Maali, but the changes failed to generate the desired impact.
Al Ahly, by contrast, remained composed and disciplined. Substitutes Ahmed Abdelkader and Aliou Dieng helped tighten control in midfield, while the defense absorbed Zamalek’s increasingly desperate attacks.
Late Drama, but Al Ahly Holds On
Zamalek had one final gasp in stoppage time. A looping header from Omar Nasser beat El Shenawy but crashed off the crossbar a moment that summed up the Whites’ frustrating evening.
Al Ahly made additional late substitutions to manage the clock, bringing on Ahmed Reda and Omar Kamal. The referee blew for full time soon after, confirming a vital three points for the Red Devils.
League Standings and Outlook
With the win, Al Ahly climbs to 15 points, level with second-placed Al Masry but behind on goal difference. Zamalek remains on top with 17 points, but the title race is heating up especially with Al Ahly holding a game in hand.
For Al Ahly, the comeback victory over their fiercest rivals is not only a morale boost but a potential turning point in their campaign. For Zamalek, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they look to regain consistency and avoid slipping further in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested season.
