Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
The Cairo side have made life difficult for themselves after squandering a five-point lead at the top, leaving them in a must-win situation in their final two matches against Smouha and Ceramica Cleopatra.
They now sit top of the table on 50 points, level with Pyramids FC but ahead on head-to-head record, while Ahly are third on 47 and waiting for any slip from the two frontrunners.
Zamalek’s position has been undermined by poor results in their last two matches, drawing 0-0 with Enppi before suffering a 3-0 defeat by Ahly in Friday’s Cairo derby.
Despite the setbacks, Zamalek remain the only side among the title contenders with their fate in their own hands.
Two wins from their remaining matches would secure their first league crown since 2022, regardless of other results.
They could even be crowned champions on Tuesday if they beat Smouha, Pyramids lose to Ceramica Cleopatra and Ahly fail to overcome Enppi — an unlikely but still possible scenario.
First, however, they must rediscover their form after a dip that has seen several key players, including Nasser Mansi, Ahmed Fatouh, Abdallah El-Said and Hossam Abdel Meguid struggle for consistency.
Coach Moatamed Gamal has responded by holding a closed training camp since Sunday in a bid to sharpen focus and restore confidence during the decisive phase of the season.
With limited options available, Gamal may be forced into changes against Smouha, though he will still rely on his core players to deliver.
Smouha, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage pride after losing their last four matches without picking up a point, leaving them at the bottom of the Big Seven on 31 points.
The Alexandria side will hope to spring a surprise and play a decisive role in the title race.
Zamalek edged the reverse fixture 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Mansi.
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