Egyptian Premier League title race tightens

CAIRO — The 18th round of the 2025–26 Egyptian Premier League delivered high drama, as Al-Ahly and Al-Ittihad of Alexandria claimed crucial victories, while several other fixtures ended in stalemates, keeping both the title race and mid-table battles fiercely contested.

At the summit, the margins remain razor-thin. Al-Ahly’s win keeps them in close pursuit of league leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, while Zamalek and Pyramids continue to jockey for position in the top four. Mid-table clashes added further intrigue, as clubs battled for survival ahead of the season’s second half.

Al-Ahly’s triumph moves them into second place with 33 points—just two behind league leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who maintains a slender lead at 35. Zamalek sits third on 31 points, with Pyramids FC hot on their heels, also on 31. Al-Masry of Port Said rounds out the top five with 25 points, highlighting the tightly packed competition across the league.

Al-Ahly 1–0 El-Gouna

Defending champions Al-Ahly edged past El-Gouna 1-0 at Cairo International Stadium, consolidating their resurgence in the league after a 2-0 triumph over Ismaily in their previous outing.

The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when Moroccan left-winger Achraf Bencharki curled in a perfect cross from the right flank. Midfielder Emam Ashour rose above the defense to head the ball into the back of the net, giving the Red Devils the only goal of the contest.

Pharco 1–1 Petrojet

At Alexandria Stadium, Pharco FC and Petrojet played out a 1-1 draw. Striker Karim El-Tayeb opened the scoring for Pharco in the 8th minute, only for Senegalese forward Seko Sonko to snatch an equaliser in the 83rd minute for Petrojet.

Pharco FC remains in 18th place with 16 points, while Petrojet holds 12th with 21 points, prolonging their fight to climb the standings.

Al-Masry 1–1 Contractors

At the New Suez Stadium, Al-Masry and Arab Contractors traded blows in a late thriller. Ahmed Walid fired Contractors ahead in the 85th minute, but winger Mido Gaber salvaged a point for Al-Masry with a stoppage-time strike in the 90+5 minute.

The result leaves Al-Masry fifth with 26 points, while Contractors are in 15th with 17 points, still searching for consistent form.

Enppi 0–0 NBE Club

At Petro Sport Stadium, Enppi and NBE Club battled to a goalless stalemate. The match featured Mahmoud Abdel-Moneam ‘Kahraba’, making his first appearance since returning to Enppi during the winter transfer window, coming on in the 78th minute.

NBE Club now sits ninth with 22 points, while Enppi is 11th on 21 points, as both sides continue to struggle for momentum.

Al-Ittihad 1–0 Smouha

In a fiercely contested Alexandria derby, Al-Ittihad Alexandria claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Smouha at Alexandria Stadium.

Abdel Rahman Magdi struck in the 77th minute, marking his first goal since joining on loan from Pyramids FC, and delivering a boost to Al-Ittihad’s league campaign.

Al-Ittihad climbs to 17 points, while Smouha stays on 25 points, left to rue missed opportunities in the local rivalry.

Modern 1–1 Kahraba

At Cairo International Stadium, Modern Sport and Kahraba Ismailia shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Ghanaian forward Benjamin Boateng put Kahraba Ismailia ahead in the 64th minute, but Nigerian striker Godwin Chika levelled for Modern Sport ten minutes later.

Kahraba Ismailia came close to snatching all three points when Ali Suleiman missed a penalty in the 90th minute, leaving both sides with points. Modern Sport moves to 22 points, while Kahraba Ismailia lingers in 12th with 12 points.