Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a night filled with intensity, flair, and moments of brilliance, Al Ahly secured the 2025 Egyptian Super Cup title after defeating archrivals Zamalek 2–0 at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The victory marked Al Ahly’s 16th Super Cup triumph, further cementing their dominance in Egyptian football.
First Half: Ben Charki Opens the Scoring
The game began cautiously, with both sides testing each other’s defenses before Al Ahly gradually took control of possession. Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” came close early on with a fierce right-footed strike from distance that forced a fingertip save from Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad.
Zamalek responded with a few dangerous moves of their own through striker Amr Nasser and winger Chico Banza, but Al Ahly captain Mohamed El Shenawy remained composed between the posts.
As the half drew to a close, Al Ahly broke the deadlock. In the 44th minute, a precise cross from Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed found Moroccan star Achraf Ben Charki, who controlled the ball on his chest and slotted it calmly past Awad’s right hand. The goal gave the Red Devils a crucial lead heading into the break.
Second Half: Marwan Attia Seals the Win
Zamalek manager Ahmed Abdel Raouf introduced three substitutions at halftime Hossam Abdel Meguid, Juan Bezerra, and Seifeddine Jaziri, in an attempt to shift the momentum. The changes gave the White Knights a brief surge, but Al Ahly’s discipline and tactical balance kept them in control.
In the 53rd minute, play was halted after Slovenian forward Nitz Gradisar sustained an injury and was replaced by Taher Mohamed Taher. That substitution would later prove pivotal.
With 19 minutes remaining, Taher delivered a perfectly timed cross from the right flank to midfielder Marwan Attia, who arrived unmarked and fired home Al Ahly’s second goal in the 71st minute. The strike effectively ended Zamalek’s hopes of a comeback.
Zamalek thought they had pulled one back when Jaziri found the net in the 80th minute, but the referee disallowed the goal for a handball in the buildup further frustration for the Cairo giants.
Emotional Moments and Celebration
As the final whistle blew, Al Ahly players erupted in celebration, embracing each other on the pitch as the stands roared with joy. Captain Mohamed El Shenawy lifted the Super Cup trophy amid cheers from thousands of traveling fans.
A moment not shown on the live broadcast, captured by Yalla Kora photographers, revealed El Shenawy calling out to someone in the crowd before raising the trophy, a glimpse of the emotion behind the club’s enduring success.
Abdel Raouf: “We Entered the Game Too Late”
In his post-match press conference, Zamalek coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf congratulated Al Ahly while expressing disappointment at his team’s slow start. “Praise be to God for everything,” he said. “We wanted to win and make our supporters happy. I congratulate Al Ahly on their title they deserved it tonight.”
He explained that injuries to several key players, including Mohamed Ismail and others, disrupted Zamalek’s rhythm. “We entered the atmosphere of the match too late,” he admitted. “Bezerra was supposed to play only one half, but the timing of the first goal was very difficult for us.”
Abdel Raouf added that he and his staff are working within challenging circumstances: “We have many injuries, and that complicated things even more. Still, we tried to maintain a competitive spirit among the players. We will improve in the coming period; the Super Cup is not the end of the road. We still have a long season ahead in the league.”
Al Ahly’s Legacy Continues
For Al Ahly, the triumph was another chapter in their storied history, a performance that combined tactical efficiency, individual brilliance, and the unwavering mentality that has defined the club for decades.
Ben Charki’s opener and Attia’s composed finish ensured a night to remember for the Red Devils, who continue to reign supreme on both domestic and continental stages.
