BETTING GUIDE: Cairo Derby Al Ahly vs Zamalek, team news, match preview and betting guide

Al Ahly and Zamalek SC face off in Round 9 of the Egyptian Premier League on Monday, 29 September 2025, in what promises to be a pulsating edition of the Cairo Derby.

The clash will take place at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo - a venue known for its electric atmosphere, with 30,000 fans expected to turn up for one of African football’s most iconic rivalries.

This fixture marks a key moment in the 2025/26 league season.

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Al Ahly, despite a mixed start, boasts attacking threats and home support.

Zamalek arrive in better form and with confidence after a commanding win in the last head-to-head.

Beyond the points, this match is about pride, bragging rights, and a statement in the title race.

Al Ahly come into the derby having played 7 league games, registering 3 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss (1.71 points per game).

They have scored 11 goals (1.57 per match) and conceded 8 (1.14 per match), highlighting attacking efficiency but defensive vulnerabilities.

Midfielder Mahmoud Trezeguet leads their scoring chart with three goals, offering drive and composure in the final third.

Right-back Mohamed Hany Eldemerdash has also impressed, delivering 3 assists, often initiating attacks from deep.

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Their recent form paints a mixed picture.

They come into the match with back-to-back wins, including a dramatic 3-2 away victory over Haras El Hodood and a solid 1-0 triumph at home against Ceramica Cleopatra.

Before that, they drew 1-1 with ENPPI, lost 0-2 at home to Pyramids FC, and shared points in a goalless draw with Ghazl El Mahalla.

While these results suggest a positive trend, the fact that they have managed only one clean sheet in five matches underlines ongoing defensive issues - something that could be critical against a Zamalek side capable of punishing lapses.

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Al Ahly’s squad may be weakened by injuries to three key players.

Mohamed Afsha is out with a knock, while centre back Ahmed Ramadan is also doubtful with a muscle injury. Ahly are also without Emmam Ashour, a player they also heavily rely on in the final third.

Afsha and Ashour's absence will limit the attacking options of coach Emad El-Nahhas.

These are significant concerns in a fixture where margins are slim and composure in central areas is vital.

Tactically, Al Ahly are expected to operate in a high-tempo 4-2-3-1 setup.

Their approach is built on pressing from the front, quick transitions, and exploiting width through overlapping full-backs.

Trezeguet will play a central role, drifting between the lines and linking play in the final third.

They use sharp passing and early crosses to unsettle defensive lines.

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However, this aggressive strategy leaves gaps - particularly at centre-back - when the press is bypassed.

Zamalek’s counter-attacking threat will test this risk-reward dynamic.

On the other side, Zamalek have begun the 2025/26 campaign with impressive consistency.

After 8 matches, they have won five, drawn twice, and lost just once, collecting 2.13 points per game.

Their attack has delivered 12 goals (1.5 per match), but it's their defensive record that stands out - just 4 goals conceded (0.5 per match), the best in the division.

This balance has made them a tough side to break down while still offering enough threat in the final third to win tight games.

Midfielder Oday Dabbagh has been particularly influential in Zamalek’s system, registering two goals and acting as a key attacking player.

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Zamalek’s scoring threat is spread across the squad, which makes them unpredictable and tactically flexible, especially when they control the midfield tempo. Abdalla El Said on two goals and one assist.

Zamalek’s last five matches showcase a team with both attacking sharpness and defensive organisation.

A 3-0 win over Al Masry and a 2-0 away victory at Ismaily SC underline their dominance in both home and away settings.

However, a 1-1 draw with El Gouna revealed some difficulty in breaking down deep, compact defences, and the 2-1 loss to Wadi Degla shows they’re not invincible.

Still, with three wins in five, they enter the derby with momentum and growing confidence.

Zamalek’s ability to stretch Al Ahly’s defence and create from wide areas could be diminished.

From a tactical perspective, Zamalek are expected to deploy a structured 4-3-3 system, prioritising defensive solidity and swift counter-attacks.

Their back four remains compact and narrow, while the midfield trio - led by Hossam Abdelmaguid are tasked with disrupting Al Ahly’s rhythm and transitioning quickly into attack.

Their plan will involve absorbing pressure, inviting Al Ahly forward, and then exploiting the high defensive line with pace and movement.

This setup has helped them concede just three times in the last five games.

The outcome of this derby could be shaped by midfield control and transitional efficiency.

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Al Ahly will seek to dominate early, using Trezeguet’s energy and wide combinations, but their high defensive line is vulnerable.

If Zamalek can bypass the initial press and play early balls into wide channels, they could exploit the space left behind.

Conversely, Zamalek’s defence will need to handle late runs into the box from Trezeguet and El Shahaat and avoid fouls in dangerous areas, with set pieces likely to play a decisive role.

Key Pointers

Al Ahly are unbeaten in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head matches at home in the PL, including a 2-0 win in June 2024.

Zamalek won the most recent derby 3-0 in March 2025 – their most dominant performance in recent memory.

Al Ahly averages 1.57 goals per match, with two clean sheets in their last five.

Zamalek have the best defensive record in the league (0.5 goals conceded per match).

This clash is likely to be a tight, tactical affair, with moments of individual brilliance making the difference.

Al Ahly’s home advantage and recent scoring form give them a slight edge, but Zamalek’s compact defensive shape could frustrate them.

If Zamalek’s key playmakers are fit, they could very well grab a point or more.

However, Al Ahly’s response to their last derby defeat, combined with momentum from recent wins, suggests they’ll rise to the occasion.

Prediction: Al Ahly to win or draw. Over 1.5 goals is also a good probability.

Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.