In one of the most intense matches of the Egyptian Premier League this season, Al-Ahly managed to secure a commanding 3-0 victory over their traditional rivals Zamalek in the fifth round of the title-deciding stage. The match, which took place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Cairo Stadium, was filled with excitement and challenge, where Al-Ahly restored their local reputation after the heavy loss they suffered in the previous round against Pyramids FC.

Al-Ahly's Control from the Start

Zamalek began the match with a clear attacking approach, making early attempts to threaten Al-Ahly's goal, with the most notable being a powerful shot from Adi Al-Dabbagh that went just wide of the post. However, Al-Ahly quickly regained their balance, and in the 17th minute, Moroccan star Ashraf Bencherki scored the first goal, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Taha Mohamed Taha.

After the goal, Zamalek tried to respond quickly, but their chances were insufficient, while Al-Ahly exploited the spaces well. In the 31st minute, Hussein El-Shahat doubled the lead, making it 2-0 after receiving a perfect pass from Bencherki. Al-Ahly maintained their pressure, and the first half ended with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The Second Half... Missed Chances and Al-Ahly's Third Goal

In the second half, Zamalek came out with strong efforts to make a comeback, and the referee awarded a penalty kick to Zamalek. However, Al-Ahly's goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir performed heroically, saving the penalty. Zamalek continued their attempts, but luck was not on their side. On the other hand, Al-Ahly remained well-organized and continued their offensive, with Ashraf Bencherki scoring the third goal in the 74th minute to seal the victory.

Impact of the Win on the League Standings

With this victory, Al-Ahly's points total rose to 47, maintaining their position in third place in the Egyptian Premier League standings. Meanwhile, Zamalek's points remained at 50, sharing the top spot with Pyramids FC, only separated by goal difference. This result brought back confidence to Al-Ahly's supporters after their recent loss, proving that the Red Team remains a strong contender for the title.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Al-Ahly has placed significant pressure on their rivals, primarily Zamalek and Pyramids, who will face challenging fixtures in the upcoming rounds. While Zamalek looks to bounce back and get back on track, the important question remains: Will Al-Ahly continue to dominate the local scene in the coming weeks?

This is a new chapter in the Egyptian derby story, and there's no doubt that the upcoming matches will be full of surprises, as each team fights to improve their chances of winning the most prestigious championship in Egypt.