Al-Ahly Beat Zamalek 2-0 to Move Top of Egyptian Premier League

Al-Ahly defeated defending champions Zamalek 2-0 in the 133rd Cairo Derby on Sunday night, moving to the top of the Egyptian Premier League table with 16 points.

The victory at Cairo Stadium handed Zamalek their first defeat of the season and lifted Al-Ahly above Pyramids, who were due to face Ceramica Cleopatra on Monday. Zamalek remained third with 13 points after the sixth round of matches.

Al-Ahly right-back Mohamed Hany opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area. His goal gave the hosts a crucial advantage at half-time and earned him the Man of the Match award.

Zamalek struggled to break through Al-Ahly’s defence as the match progressed. Algerian forward Monsef Bekrar secured the win with another long-range effort in the 80th minute, leaving the defending champions unable to respond.

The derby was officiated by Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic and watched by around 40,000 supporters.

The result marked the first victory over Zamalek for Al-Ahly’s Moroccan coach, Hussein Ammouta, who joined the club earlier this year.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ammouta described the encounter as difficult and praised his players for maintaining their concentration throughout the game.

Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal said injuries and player absences had forced his side to change its usual playing style. He also argued that his team should have been awarded at least two penalties during the match.

Despite the defeat, Gamal praised his players’ effort and urged them to turn their attention to Friday’s CAF Champions League fixture against Rwandan club APR.

Former Al-Ahly player Yasser Rayan told Arab News that the overall standard of the derby was average and said the result had been expected.

Rayan pointed to Al-Ahly’s strong squad and several new signings as important advantages. He contrasted that with Zamalek’s difficulties, citing the club’s transfer ban and inability to recruit new players.

He also identified a second-half save by Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir from a header as a decisive moment, helping preserve his side’s lead before Bekrar settled the contest.

The result strengthens Al-Ahly’s position in the title race as the club seeks to reclaim the championship. Zamalek won the Egyptian Premier League last season, with Pyramids finishing second and Al-Ahly third.

Al-Ahly remains the most successful club in the competition’s history, with a record 45 Egyptian league titles.