Egyptian Premier League enters crunch time

CAIRO – The 2025–2026 Egyptian Premier League title chase is reaching its top gear as the first round of the competition enters its decisive stretch with Round 20 set to spice up the competition this Saturday, February 28th.

After each of the 20 games for every team, the competition will be divided into two phases.

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.

Matchday 20 marks the penultimate chapter of the first half of the campaign. Once the round concludes, the league table will be split – seven contenders charging toward glory, while the rest brace for a fierce relegation dogfight.

At the summit, the battle is nothing short of electrifying. The top spot has been swapped several times this season, and it shows just how close the top contenders are to each other.

Following matchday 19, Zamalek and Pyramids FC sit level at the top with 37 points apiece. Zamalek edges ahead on goal difference after grinding out a crucial 2-1 victory over ZED FC.

Hot on their heels, Al-Ahly occupies third place with 36 points, riding the momentum of three consecutive wins, including a narrow 1-0 triumph over Smouha in Round 19.

Ceramica Cleopatra, meanwhile, slipped to fourth after a turbulent run of results in their last five outings. They remain on 36 points following a 1-1 draw against Ismaily SC, keeping them firmly in the title conversation.

The four-way duel promises fireworks as the championship playoffs approach, with only seven seats available in the title-deciding round.

Notably, Pyramids FC, Zamalek, and Al-Ahly have played 17 matches so far, while Ceramica Cleopatra has completed 18 – adding another layer of suspense to the standings.

The first-round spans 21 match weeks, with each team scheduled for one rest week, totaling 20 matches before the decisive split.

The top seven will battle not only for the title but also for coveted top-four finishes, while 14 teams fight to avoid the drop – with four sides set to be relegated at season’s end.

Decisive fixtures

Ceramica Cleopatra: Wadi Degla (Feb 28), NBE Club (March 5).

Zamalek: Pyramids FC (March 1), Al-Ittihad of Alexandria (March 6), postponed clash vs. Enppi (March 11).

Pyramids FC: Zamalek (March 1), Haras El-Hodood (March 5), postponed clash vs. NBE Club (March 9).

Al-Ahly: ZED FC (Feb 28), Arab Contractors (March 5), postponed clash vs. Talae El-Geish.

Matchday 20 fixtures

Saturday, Feb. 28

Al-Ahly vs. ZED FC

Ismaily vs. El-Gouna

Wadi Degla vs. Ceramica

El-Geish vs. El-Hodood

Sunday, March 1

Pyramids FC vs. Zamalek

NBE Club vs. Smouha

Enppi vs. Al-Masry

Modern vs. Petrojet

Monday, March 2

Al-Ittihad vs. El-Mahalla

Pharco FC vs. Kahraba

With margins razor-thin and heavyweight clashes looming, the Egyptian Premier League’s first round is heading toward a dramatic finale – and the title race is wide open.