CAIRO – Zamalek and Pyramids FC have booked their places in the semi-finals of the Egypt Cup after securing victories over Smouha and Enppi, respectively, in the tournament’s quarter-finals stage.
Zamalek will now face Ceramica Cleopatra, while Pyramids FC will take on NBE Club in the semi-finals on the 28th of this month. With a place in the final at stake, the upcoming matches promise to deliver intense competition.
At Cairo International Stadium, Zamalek defeated Smouha 4-2, earning a place in the semi-finals where they will face Ceramica Cleopatra, who advanced at the expense of El-Gouna.
Zamalek head coach Jose Peseiro praised his side’s strong offensive performance in the first half against Smouha, highlighting their ability to create space and scoring opportunities, which he described as their best half of the match.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Portuguese tactician voiced his frustration over conceding two goals from set pieces, stating, “It is unacceptable for the opponent to have four chances and score twice.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for defensive improvements, adding, “We will work on correcting mistakes and strengthening our defense, but I applaud the players for their well-deserved victory.”
Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri opened the scoring for Zamalek in the 12th minute with a solo effort. Smouha equalized through center-back Mohamed Mostafa in the 25th minute before forward Mohamed Salem put the Alexandria-based side ahead just before halftime.
The White knights leveled the score in the 59th minute when Smouha’s defender Barakat Haggag inadvertently scored an own goal.
Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayg then put Zamalek ahead with a powerful shot in the 61st minute, and winger Moustafa Shalaby sealed the victory with a goal in stoppage time.
At Air Defense Stadium, Pyramids FC secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Enppi to secure their place in the semi-finals against NBE Club, who advanced at the expense of Ghazl El-Mahalla.
Winger Mostafa Fathy gave Pyramids FC an early lead in the 15th minute, but Enppi responded in the 53rd minute through defensive midfielder Ahmed el-Agouz.
In dramatic fashion, playmaker Youssef Obama netted the decisive goal in the third minute of stoppage time, sending Pyramids FC through.
At Suez Canal Authority Stadium, Ceramica Cleopatra defeated El-Gouna 3-1 to secure their semi-final berth.
Moroccan winger Ahmed Belhadji starred with a hat-trick, scoring in the 29th and 33rd minutes to give his team a commanding first-half lead.
In the second half, Ahmed Hamid Shousha pulled one back for El-Gouna before Belhadji completed his treble in the 59th minute.
At Ghazl El-Mahalla Stadium, NBE Club clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ghazl El-Mahalla after extra time.
Following a goalless 90 minutes, the match extended into extra time, where a crucial penalty decided the outcome.
In the 117th minute, referee intervention and VAR review confirmed a foul by Togolese winger Yao Anwar, leading to a penalty for NBE Club.
Striker Osama Faisal converted the spot-kick in stoppage time, securing his team’s passage to the semi-finals.
