Three-way battle for the Egyptian Premier League title

Amid the joy sparked by Egypt’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Egyptian Premier League resumes play today, with contrasting ambitions among the top three: Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids, against the backdrop of Ismaily’s historic relegation to the First Division.

The season kicks off with a match between Wadi Degla and ZED FC. The standout fixture of the opening round sees defending champions Zamalek hosting Al Ittihad Alexandria at the Cairo International Stadium today, while Pyramids will welcome Ghazl El Mahalla tomorrow at the Air Defense Stadium.

Defending champions Zamalek enter the season in a precarious position. Despite securing last season’s title against expectations, the summer was turbulent for the White Castle after the club was placed on a registration ban by FIFA due to numerous outstanding fines owed to former players and coaches.

Sporting director John Edward departed following disagreements with the board, while Mohamed Abougrisha remained as head coach despite earlier reports of his departure.

Due to administrative crises that delayed the pre-season preparations, Zamalek was unable to sign any new players because of the registration ban. Several players left the squad, including Hossam Abdelmagid, who joined Bulgarian club Ludogorets, Tunisian Saif-Eddine Khaoui, and Kenyan Baron Ochien, as well as Ahmed Hamdy, Anas Wael, and Saif Jaafar.

Pyramids, the runner-up in the past four seasons, are aiming to fulfill their dream of winning the league title for the first time in their history. The Sky Blues have appointed South African coach Rolando Mukuna, replacing Croatian Krunoslav Jurčić, who left after four seasons. Pyramids conducted their pre-season training camp in Turkey, which included several friendly matches.

The club signed Algerian Nacer Ben Bouali from Hungarian side Győri ETO, Iraqi international Eyad Al-Asqalani from Russian club Rostov, Iraqi striker Ahmed Abdul-Qader, and Khaled Awad from El Gaish. Departures included Congolese forward Feston Mayele, Marwan Hamdy, Ali Gaber, and Tarek Alaa, while goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy retired.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly, which finished third last season, has initiated a sweeping administrative and technical overhaul. Former club star Wael Gomaa was appointed as the club’s football director, and Moroccan coach Houcine Ammouta was hired as head coach, replacing Dane Jes Torp.