File Photo: Ahly vs Zamalek. Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
Zamalek advanced to the final after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Pyramids FC on Thursday, while title holders Ahly secured their spot with a 2-1 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra, thanks to goals from Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan and Hungarian striker Nejc Gradisar.
Ahly, the competition’s most successful club with 15 titles, aim to claim their fifth consecutive Super Cup crown, having won the trophy in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Zamalek, meanwhile, will be looking to end their trophy drought in the competition and claim their fifth title, as they last won the 2019 competition.
The two rivals have faced each other in the Super Cup nine times, with Ahly claiming victory in seven encounters, three of them via penalty shootouts, including last season’s final, while Zamalek have emerged victorious twice.
Ahly will also be looking to extend their dominance over their arch-rivals, following their 2-1 Egyptian Premier League victory in October that featured a brilliant performance from winger Hussein El-Shahat.
Doubters and First Trophy
The White Knights' interim coach Ahmed Abdel-Raouf expressed his unwavering confidence in his players, insisting they have already silenced doubters.
"Many doubted Zamalek’s presence in the final, but qualifying was crucial because it is something the team deserve. We will bring our character, our fans, and our players’ spirit. We will prepare to be the side most deserving of the title," Abdel-Raouf told reporters on Saturday.
On the other side, the Red Devils Danish boss Jess Thorup, who has been at the job for a month, recognized the derby's significance for fans, stressing his desire to win his first trophy with the club.
"I know how important the derby is historically and for the fans, so I hope we will win the title and write history," Thorup said in his pre-match press conference.
Both sides will be missing key players through injury and suspension.
Zamalek will be without the injured Nasser Mansi, Adam Kaied, and Mohamed El-Sayed, while midfielder Nabil ‘Dunga’ Emad is suspended.
However, in what could be a boost for the White Knights, Brazilian winger Juan Bezerra and first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed Sobhi are in contention to feature after recovering from their muscular injuries.
on the other side, Ahly will miss the injured trio of Hussein El-Shahat, midfielder Emam Ashour, and Moroccan defender Achraf Dari, but will welcome back strikers Nejc Gradisar and Mohamed Sherif, who have recovered from slight knocks.
Before the final, Ceramica Cleopatra will face Pyramids FC in the third-place playoff.
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