Pyramids begin their 2026-27 Egyptian Premier League campaign against Ghazl El Mahalla, in a match that represents more than just an opening-day fixture for a team that finished second last season, only one point behind champions Zamalek.

The Sky Blues enter the match with Ahmed Abdelkader back in the squad, while Mostafa Zico misses out through injury. Ahmed Nader Boually is also unavailable as he has not yet reached full technical readiness, while Ahmed Atef Qotta remains suspended from a punishment carried over from last season.

Abdelkader Returns as Zico Misses Out

Ahmed Abdelkader’s inclusion gives head coach Rolani Mokoena another attacking option, with the player expected to feature in the starting lineup alongside Dodo El Gabas according to the pre-match projections.

Zico’s absence, however, leaves Pyramids without one of their attacking options for the opening fixture. Boually was also left out because he is not considered fully ready, while Qotta is still serving his suspension.

Pyramids’ goalkeeping options include Ahmed El Shenawy, Mahmoud Gad and Ziad Haitham. The defensive group features Mohamed El Chebi, Khaled Awad, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei, Osama Galal, Eyad El Askalany, Mohamed Hamdy and Karim Hafez.

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In midfield, Mokoena has several options, including Mohannad Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Hamed Hamdan, Ahmed Tawfik, Ahmed Fawzi, Mahmoud Saber, Nasser Maher, Mostafa Fathi, Abdelrahman Magdy, Everton da Silva, Mahmoud Zalaka and Ouda Fakhoury, in addition to Abdelkader.

A New Start with Bigger Ambitions

Pyramids begin the new season knowing that expectations have risen significantly. The club came extremely close to winning the league last season but ultimately finished runners-up, just one point behind Zamalek.

Ghazl El Mahalla, meanwhile, will have home advantage after finishing sixth in last season’s relegation-avoidance group. The hosts will be looking to make a strong opening statement against one of the league’s leading contenders.

Mokoena is expected to start Ahmed El Shenawy in goal, with Mohamed El Chebi, Ahmed Samy, Mahmoud Marei and Mohamed Hamdy in defense. Mohannad Lasheen, Walid El Karti, Hamed Hamdan and Mostafa Fathi could operate in midfield, while Dodo El Gabas and Ahmed Abdelkader are expected to lead the attack.

The match kicks off at 8:00 PM Cairo time on Saturday at Ghazl El Mahalla Stadium, with Pyramids looking to make an early statement and show that their ambitions this season extend beyond simply competing for the title.