CAIRO — The sixth round of the 2024–2025 Egyptian Premier League Championship Group brought high-stakes drama to the title chase. Al-Ahly maintained their dominance at the summit with a hard-earned win over Ceramica Cleopatra, while arch-rivals Zamalek’s continental ambitions came to an abrupt end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Pyramids FC.
The result dealt a decisive blow to the White Knights, who now trail second-placed Pyramids by nine points with just two matches remaining. Even back-to-back victories in their closing games—against Petrojet and Pharco FC—would leave them on a maximum of 47 points, falling short of the mark needed to qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League.
As the campaign approaches its finale, Al-Ahly leads the standings with 52 points, closely followed by Pyramids FC on 50. For Zamalek, attention now turns to salvaging a strong finish and potentially securing a CAF Confederation Cup spot.
Al-Ahly 1-0 Ceramica
Al-Ahly held firm at the summit of the Egyptian Premier League with a gritty 1-0 win over Ceramica Cleopatra in a tense clash at the Arab Contractors Stadium during the sixth round of the Championship Group.
Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki proved to be the difference-maker, netting the decisive goal in the 20th minute after latching onto a clever assist from midfielder Emam Ashour. Bencharki’s clinical finish gave the Red Devils an early edge, and they held on despite relentless pressure from Ceramica.
The match burst into life from the opening whistle, with both sides showing attacking intent. Ceramica grew into the game, testing Mohamed El-Shenawy, who delivered a standout performance between the posts.
Ceramica came close to equalizing in the 25th minute when midfielder Islam Eissa danced past defenders and fired a rocket towards goal, only to be denied by Al-Ahly’s goalkeeper El-Shenawy’s world-class save.
As Ceramica poured forward in the second-half, Al-Ahly found themselves on the back foot. But the league leaders showcased their defensive steel, with a dramatic clearance in stoppage time preserving the vital three points.
With this win, Al-Ahly climbs to 52 points, tightening their grip at the top, while Ceramica Cleopatra remains stalled at 31 points.
Pyramids 1-0 Zamalek
Pyramids FC closed in on the league leaders with a crucial 1-0 victory over Zamalek at Cairo International Stadium in a high-stakes showdown.
A first-half howler from Zamalek goalkeeper Mohamed Awad handed striker Ibrahim Adel the opportunity to score in the 21st minute—and the striker didn’t miss. His composed finish secured all three points for Pyramids, who now sit just two points behind Al-Ahly with 50.
The match was a tactical battle early on, with both teams probing for the opener. Zamalek showed attacking promise, especially through Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg, whose second-half free kick nearly brought parity.
Pyramids soaked up the pressure and remained a threat on the counter, while Zamalek’s late surge failed to break through the disciplined Sky Blue defense.
With the win, Pyramids FC boosts their title hopes, while Zamalek stays on 41 points, now further adrift from the top.
NBE Club 1-1 El-Hodood
NBE Club and Haras El-Hodood played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested tie in the Championship Group.
Veteran striker Amr Gamal opened the scoring for El-Hodood in the 26th minute, showing his poacher’s instinct inside the box. But forward Osama Faisal drew NBE level from the penalty spot before halftime, ensuring both sides walked away with a point.
The result sees NBE Club holding onto fourth place with 37 points, while Haras El-Hodood is in ninth, now on 23 points.
Al-Masry 1-1 Pharco
Al-Masry of Port Said and Pharco FC settled for a 1-1 draw in an end-to-end clash at Suez Stadium, part of Round 6 in the Championship Group.
Pharco struck first through forward Ahmed Sherif in the 51st minute, as the forward capped off a brilliant solo run with a low drive into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
But Al-Masry responded with pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 70th minute. A header by right winger Mido Gaber forced a scrambling save from Pharco’s goalkeeper Mohamed Shika, and in the ensuing chaos, defender Ahmed Awad inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
The point leaves Al-Masry in fifth place on 36 points, while Pharco sits seventh with 31 points.
