CAIRO – Zamalek booked their place in the upcoming four-team Egyptian Super Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Pyramids FC in the Egypt Cup final held at Cairo International Stadium.
The revamped Super Cup format will feature the Egyptian Premier League champion, the Egypt Cup winner, the Capital Cup champion, and a wildcard entry via the golden card system. With this latest triumph, Zamalek joins the elite quartet.
The Egyptian Football Association, headed by Hani Abu Rida and the board members, extended heartfelt congratulations to Zamalek’s board of directors and devoted fan base on capturing the Egypt Cup title for a record-extending 29th time.
The Whites edged Pyramids 8–7 in a nerve-racking shootout after the match ended 1–1 in regulation time. Extra time saw both sides battling for a winner to avoid the penalty decider, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the contest to a dramatic conclusion from the spot.
Zamalek now narrows the gap to 10 titles behind arch-rivals and record holders Al-Ahly, claiming the Egypt Cup for the first time since the 2020/2021 season.
The Cup final was a high-stakes encounter that delivered on intensity and drama. Pyramids drew first blood in the 29th minute when midfielder Ahmed Atef Qatta found the net. Zamalek responded late through substitute striker Nasser Mansi, who slotted home the equalizer in the 78th minute to force a shootout.
This victory was a much-needed lifeline for Zamalek in what has been a challenging season, with the club falling short in both the Egyptian Premier League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The win also marked the first piece of silverware under head coach Ayman El-Ramadi, who took charge following the departure of Portuguese manager José Biserra.
Fast start
Pyramids started on the front foot, dominating early possession without posing real danger to Zamalek keeper Mohamed Sobhi. Striker Marwan Hamdy threatened with a header in the 9th minute, while Zamalek’s first real chance came from a 13th-minute corner.
The match saw its first caution when Moroccan full-back Mohamed El-Chibi was booked in the 14th minute for a rough challenge on forward Seif Gaafar.
Pyramids took the lead midway through the first-half after sustained midfield pressure culminated in Qatta’s well-placed strike.
Tactical shifts
El-Ramadi reacted swiftly at halftime, introducing playmaker Nasser Maher and striker Nasser Mansi in a double attacking substitution that added immediate energy to the front line. Zamalek nearly drew level in the 46th minute with a swift attacking move.
Pyramids missed a golden opportunity in the 50th minute when Hamdy inexplicably fired wide from close range after a precise cross from El-Chibi.
Just a minute later, Mansi almost capitalized on a counterattack, but his effort was superbly denied by Pyramids goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.
Zamalek continued to press. Winger Mostafa Shalaby squandered a glorious one-on-one chance in the 60th minute after dancing past defenders, only to miss the target.
El-Ramadi continued to tweak his side, bringing on Moroccan left-back Mahmoud Bentayg in the 64th minute to support the attack, while Pyramids made their own tactical changes, introducing striker Ibrahim Adel and right winger Mostafa Fathi in pursuit of a second goal.
Zamalek’s persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Mansi pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home the equalizer past El-Shenawy, who was later forced off due to injury and replaced by veteran keeper Sherif Ekramy.
In the dying minutes, both sides pushed for a winner, with Zamalek captain Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’ and defender Mohamed El-Zanari brought on to tip the balance. However, the scoreline remained unchanged, sending the clash to a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Zamalek kept their composure from the spot to emerge victorious and lift the Egypt Cup, reigniting their campaign and setting up a shot at more silverware in the upcoming Super Cup showdown.
