Ahly coach Jess Thorup. Photo: Ahly
Achraf Bencharki scored twice and set up Hussein El Shahat’s goal as Ahly swept aside their arch-rivals at Cairo International Stadium to throw the title race wide open.
“We achieved a deserved win over Zamalek. The players performed at a high level and I thank them for their effort,” Thorup told the post-match press conference.
“We prepared well for the game in recent days and that showed on the pitch,” he added.
The result leaves Zamalek top of the standings on 50 points, level with Pyramids FC but ahead on head-to-head record, while Ahly move up to third on 47 points.
The defending champions can still secure a record-extending 46th league title if both Zamalek and Pyramids drop points in their remaining two fixtures.
“I asked the players to give their best and make the fans proud. The supporters played an important role in this win,” the Danish coach said.
“We had several absentees before the match, which forced changes, but overall I am very pleased with the performance,” Thorup added.
Ahly have now completed a league double over Zamalek this season, having won the reverse fixture 2-1, and also lifted the Egyptian Super Cup with a 2-0 victory in November 2025.
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