CAIRO — Zamalek and Al-Masry of Port Said launched their 2025–26 Egyptian Premier League campaigns in style, both sealing opening-round victories, while Wadi Degla and Pyramids FC settled for a goalless draw.
The 67th edition of Egypt’s top flight signals the dawn of a new era, with a revamped competition format, stricter disciplinary rules, and an expanded 21-team field—promising one of the most competitive seasons in the league’s history.
This year’s Premier League features a two-phase structure. In the opening stage, all clubs face each other once before splitting into two groups: a Championship Group to contest the title and continental spots, and a Relegation Group to battle for survival.
After last season’s relegation freeze, four clubs will drop to the second tier this term—a number set to rise to five in 2027–28 as the league moves toward a leaner 18-team format.
Zamalek 2–0 Ceramica
At the Suez Canal Authority Stadium, Zamalek overcame Ceramica Cleopatra 2–0 thanks to late strikes from attacking midfielder Nasser Maher and midfielder Mohamed Shehata.
Ceramica made the brighter start, with South African forward Fakhri Lakay rattling the post in the 4th minute.
The White Knights gradually found their rhythm but were unable to break the deadlock in the first-half, despite a long-range effort from Shehata that was blocked and a late Maher strike that missed narrowly.
The second half saw Zamalek push forward with more intent. Ceramica threatened from a set-piece in the 54th minute, but midfielder Ahmed Belhadji’s free-kick was smothered by the wall.
Zamalek’s breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Maher converted from close range after a flowing move initiated by Moroccan left-winger Abdelhamid Maali and set up by Palestinian left-winger Adam Kaied.
Deep into stoppage time, Shehata sealed the victory with a spectacular strike from midfield after intercepting possession, ensuring Zamalek began their campaign with three points.
Masry 3–1 Ittihad
Al-Masry marked their season opener with a commanding 3–1 win over Al-Ittihad of Alexandria at the New Suez Stadium.
Algerian forward Abdelrahman Daghmoum put the Port Said side ahead in the 15th minute, before centre-back Mostafa Ibrahim leveled for the visitors early in the second half.
Daghmoum struck again in the 69th minute to restore Al-Masry’s advantage, and midfielder Omar El-Saaiy wrapped up the points with a stoppage-time goal.
The hosts dominated possession and attacking play, though they were denied a fourth goal when Algerian forward Mounder Temine’s strike was ruled out for offside following a VAR check in the 67th minute.
Degla 0-0 Pyramids
Wadi Degla and Pyramids FC played out a goalless draw in a fiery curtain-raiser to the 2025–26 Egyptian League season at Al-Salam Stadium.
Despite a dominant display from the home side, both teams failed to find the net in a match marked by two red cards and plenty of missed opportunities.
Pyramids FC was reduced to 10 men early on after Moroccan midfielder Walid El-Karti was shown a straight red in the 17th minute for a second reckless challenge, having already received the first yellow card of the league just six minutes earlier.
Wadi Degla looked to capitalize on their numerical advantage, controlling possession and pressing high, but their efforts lacked a clinical edge.
The visitors regrouped in the second half, adopting a more defensive approach that stifled Degla’s rhythm. However, their momentum was short-lived when Degla’s defensive midfielder Mahmoud Talaat picked up a second yellow card in the 63rd minute, leveling the playing field once again.
Degla came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 74th minute when winger Mahmoud Diasty unleashed a thunderous strike, only to be denied by a stunning save from Pyramids keeper Ahmed El-Shenawy.
The result sees both sides take a point apiece to kick off their league campaigns.
Prior to kickoff, players and officials observed a minute’s silence in memory of Wadi Degla’s late goalkeeper Mohamed Abu El-Naga “Bonga”.
