In a nail-biting finale, Al Ahly emerged victorious over their fierce rivals Zamalek, clinching the Egyptian Super Cup with a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout. The match, held at the prestigious Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, ended in a goalless draw after regular and extra time, showcasing the intense rivalry and high stakes of Egyptian football. This victory marks Al Ahly’s 15th Super Cup title, further solidifying their dominance in the region.
A Battle of Titans: Al Ahly vs. Zamalek
The championship clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek was nothing short of a footballing spectacle, drawing a massive crowd of over 33,000 fans. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, resulting in a fiercely contested match that remained scoreless through regular and extra time.
- Final Score: Al Ahly 0-0 Zamalek (Al Ahly won 7-6 on penalties)
- Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
- Attendance: 33,000+ spectators
From the outset, Al Ahly dominated the midfield, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, Zamalek’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Awad, delivered a stellar performance, making crucial saves that kept the game goalless until the penalty shootout. The tension was palpable as both teams vied for supremacy, demonstrating why this rivalry is one of the most intense in African football.
Penalty Shootout Drama Seals the Deal
After a goalless draw in both regular and extra time, the match was decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Al Ahly’s composure under pressure proved to be the deciding factor as they converted seven penalties, while Zamalek managed only six.
| Team | Successful Penalties | Missed Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ahly | 7 | 0 |
| Zamalek | 6 | 3 |
Al Ahly’s Mohamed Magdy Afsha, Omar Kamal, Marwan Atteya, Amr El Solia, Percy Tau, Yahia Attiyat Allah, and Hussein El Shahat successfully converted their penalties. In contrast, Zamalek’s Reda Slim, Youssef Ayman, Hamza Mathlouthi, Shikabala, and Omar Gaber missed crucial attempts, tipping the balance in favor of Al Ahly.
Celebrations and Record-Breaking Achievement
Winning the Egyptian Super Cup for the 15th time is a testament to Al Ahly’s enduring excellence and strategic prowess. This victory also serves as sweet revenge after their recent loss to Zamalek in the African Super Cup held last month in Riyadh.
“That’s a proud statement right there,” said Al Ahly head coach Nate Plum. “That just goes to show the consistency of the boys we’ve had, and that’s something I’m super proud of.”
The triumph not only enhances Al Ahly’s illustrious history but also reinforces their status as a dominant force in Egyptian and African football. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and secure victories against long-standing rivals highlights their exceptional talent and teamwork.
The Road to Victory: Key Moments and Performances
Throughout the match, both teams exhibited moments of brilliance and near misses, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Al Ahly had the upper hand in the first half, with several scoring opportunities thwarted by Zamalek’s resilient defense and outstanding goalkeeping.
Notable Incidents:
- 8th Minute: Hussein El Shahat missed a golden opportunity after going one-on-one with Awad.
- 15th Minute: Wissam Abu Ali’s shot was brilliantly saved by Mohamed Awad.
- 21st Minute: Yahia Attiyat Allah’s free-kick rattled the crossbar, and Wissam Abu Ali’s shot brushed the post just before halftime.
- 27th Minute: Zamalek’s Seifeddine Jaziri had a goal disallowed for offside after VAR intervention.
In the second half, Zamalek intensified their efforts, creating dangerous chances that tested Al Ahly’s defenses. Zizo’s powerful shot in the 83rd minute and Seifeddine Jaziri’s near miss three minutes later showcased Zamalek’s determination, but ultimately, Al Ahly’s superior penalty execution secured their victory.
Abu Dhabi’s Hosting Success Continues
This year’s Egyptian Super Cup marked the eighth time the event has been hosted in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating the UAE capital’s prowess in organizing major sporting events. The successful execution of the tournament further cements Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a key venue for international football competitions.
- Host City: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Stadium: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium
- Previous Hosting: Seventh time hosting the Egyptian Super Cup
The collaboration between Egyptian football authorities and UAE organizers has proven to be fruitful, providing a state-of-the-art facility and a vibrant atmosphere for both players and fans. The continued partnership promises more exciting events in the future, benefiting the sport’s growth and popularity in the region.
