Egypt Daily News – The match between Al Ahly and Zamalek ended in a 1-1 draw in the 129th Cairo Derby, as part of the 2024-2025 Egyptian Premier League season.
In the opening minutes, Al Ahly dominated possession in Zamalek’s half, pressing for the first goal in the highly anticipated derby. In the 17th minute, Emam Ashour fired the most dangerous shot of the first half, but Mohamed Awad saved it, and the ball deflected off the crossbar before going out.
In the 22nd minute, Mohamed Abdullah, Al Ahly’s winger, had a dangerous attempt that narrowly missed the post.
By the 25th minute, Al Ahly had 66% possession compared to Zamalek’s 34%, with only one shot on target from Emam Ashour.
In the 35th minute, Zamalek’s Nabil Dunga received a yellow card, followed by Al Ahly defender Achraf Dari receiving another yellow in the 47th minute.
The first half ended goalless after two minutes of added time.
At the start of the second half, Al Ahly pressed for an opening goal. In the 49th minute, Al Ahly striker Gradishar received a yellow card.
In the 58th minute, Mahmoud Bentaiek went down after a challenge from Akram Tawfik, but the referee waved play on despite Zamalek’s penalty appeals.
Al Ahly made its first substitution in the 60th minute, with Achraf Bencharki replacing Mohamed Abdullah. Meanwhile, Zamalek’s Mahmoud Hamdi El-Wensh was booked.
Both teams slowed down for about ten minutes, with no real chances until the 69th minute.
In the 72nd minute, Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki gave Al Ahly the lead with a powerful header after a pinpoint cross from Gradishar.
By the 80th minute, Al Ahly had 56% possession compared to Zamalek’s 44%, maintaining a 1-0 lead.
In the 84th minute, Mahmoud Bentaiek equalized for Zamalek with a low cross from Omar Gaber just before the end of regulation time.
Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller made two changes, bringing on Wissam Abou Ali and Karim El Debis for Hussein El Shahat and Gradishar.
In the 88th minute, Al Ahly won a free kick outside the box, but Wissam Abou Ali’s shot was comfortably saved by Mohamed Awad.
The referee added four minutes of stoppage time, during which an offside was called against Nasser Mansi.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Achraf Bencharki scoring for Al Ahly and Mahmoud Bentaiek equalizing for Zamalek.
League Standings After the Match
- Al Ahly remains at the top of the Egyptian Premier League with 33 points.
- Zamalek holds third place with 28 points.
Official Lineups for Al Ahly vs. Zamalek
Al Ahly Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy
- Defense: Akram Tawfik, Rami Rabia, Achraf Dari, Ahmed Nabil Kouka
- Midfield: Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Reda
- Attack: Hussein El Shahat, Gradishar, Mohamed Abdullah
Zamalek Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed Awad
- Defense: Mahmoud Bentaiek, Hossam Abdelmagid, Mahmoud Hamdi “El-Wensh”, Salah El-Din Mosadak
- Midfield: Nabil Emad Dunga, Mohamed Shehata, Abdallah El Said, Omar Gaber
- Attack: Seifeddine Jaziri, Ahmed Mostafa “Zizo”
