Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Zamalek SC have been crowned Egyptian Premier League champions for the first time since 2022 after edging past Ceramica Cleopatra 1–0 at Cairo Stadium on Wednesday, sealing the title on a dramatic final day of the season.
A decisive first-half goal from Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh proved enough to secure victory, as Zamalek held firm under pressure to confirm the championship in front of a packed home crowd.
The result ensured Zamalek finished top of the table with 53 points, ahead of Pyramids FC and Al Ahly SC, entering the match knowing a win would guarantee the title regardless of other results.
The breakthrough came early in the eighth minute when Dabbagh capitalized on a defensive mistake from Ceramica’s Saad Samir, reacting quickly to a loose ball before finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. The early goal immediately shifted momentum in Zamalek’s favor and eased tension inside Cairo Stadium.
Ceramica Cleopatra responded with increased attacking intent, briefly troubling Zamalek’s defense around the quarter-hour mark. However, the league’s best defensive record, just 17 goals conceded all season, held firm as the White Knights contained the pressure through the remainder of the first half.
Zamalek thought they had doubled their lead early in the second half when Chico Banza found the net just two minutes after the restart, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal following a review, keeping Ceramica alive in the contest.
The turning point for Ceramica came in the 52nd minute when they were awarded a penalty that could have changed the trajectory of the title race. But goalkeeper Mohamed Awad produced a crucial save, diving to his right to deny Ahmed Belhadj and preserve Zamalek’s narrow advantage.
That moment proved decisive.
Despite late pressure and multiple substitutions from Ceramica Cleopatra, Zamalek maintained their defensive structure and saw out the match, including eight minutes of added time, to trigger celebrations among supporters inside Cairo Stadium.
The victory marks a significant domestic turnaround for Zamalek following a turbulent season that also included a painful CAF Confederation Cup final defeat to Algeria’s USM Alger.
Under head coach Motamed Gamal, Zamalek delivered when it mattered most, securing their 15th league title and reasserting their position among Egypt’s football elite after a three-year wait.
