CAIRO — Zamalek produced a title-worthy display, grinding out a vital 1-0 victory over Pyramids FC in a fierce Round 20 showdown of the Egyptian Premier League to claim outright leadership.
The White Knights now sit top of the table with 40 points from 18 matches, three ahead of Pyramids FC, Al-Ahly, and Ceramica Cleopatra. Pyramids remain second on 37 points, level on games played, as the title race intensifies.
Zamalek 1-0 Pyramids
A decisive second-half penalty from defender Hossam Abdel-Maguid settled the contest at Cairo’s Air Defense Stadium, sealing Zamalek’s seventh straight league victory and their first win over Pyramids since 2022.
Zamalek started aggressively, striking the post early through midfielder Mohamed Shehata, while Pyramids threatened through Mahmoud Zalaka.
The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute after VAR confirmed a foul on striker Nasser Mansi by goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy. Defender Abdel-Maguid stepped up confidently and converted from the spot.
Pyramids pushed hard for an equaliser, but resolute defending and a disciplined display ensured Zamalek marched away with a crucial three points.
Enppi 3-2 Al-Masry
Enppi claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Al-Masry in a pulsating encounter.
Al-Masry opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Algerian forward Abdelrahman Daghmoum, before Ahmed Khalil Kalousha levelled from the penalty spot.
Osama Zamrawi restored Al-Masry’s lead just before the break, but Enppi responded again after halftime as Hamed Abdullah’s delivery forced a defensive error.
Deep into stoppage time, Emad Mehoub struck the winner from a corner, capitalising on defensive confusion to secure a vital three points.
Enppi climbs to 11th with 24 points, while Al-Masry remains fifth on 29.
Smouha 3-1 NBE Club
Smouha produced a commanding 3-1 victory over NBE Club at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium to strengthen their push toward the playoff spots.
Samir Fikry opened the scoring with a thumping header before Beninese midfielder Attidjikou Samadou doubled the lead before halftime. An own goal briefly gave NBE hope, but Khaled El-Ghandour sealed the result early in the second half.
The win lifts Smouha to sixth place with 28 points, keeping them firmly in contention as the race for the top seven intensifies.
The top seven teams will launch into the championship stage, where six crucial fixtures will determine the champions of the domestic League. The remaining 14 teams will enter the second stage of the competition, where they will battle to stay clear of relegation.
