File Photo: Ahly vs Zed. Photo courtesy of Ahly
The Red Devils are third on 50 points, three behind leaders Zamalek, who host Ceramica Cleopatra on the same day. Pyramids FC, who take on Smouha at Cairo’s Air Defence Stadium, are second on 51 points.
With their fate no longer in their own hands, Ahly must beat Masry and hope Zamalek lose while Pyramids fail to win if they are to clinch a fourth successive league crown.
Though unlikely, the scenario remains mathematically possible.
Another outcome that would still satisfy Ahly, albeit in disappointing fashion, would see Zamalek lose while Pyramids beat Smouha to win the title. In that case, Ahly would secure a CAF Champions League berth, which may represent the minimum acceptable target in an otherwise frustrating season.
The worst-case scenario for Ahly would be victories for both Zamalek and Pyramids, leaving the Cairo giants in third place and consigned to the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
All scenarios, however, depend first on Ahly defeating Masry.
After a disappointing start to the Big Seven phase, Ahly revived their campaign with back-to-back 3-0 victories over Zamalek and Enppi.
The two matches featured standout performances from several players, notably wingers Achraf Bencharki and Hussein El Shahat, who combined for five of the team’s six goals.
The late resurgence has rekindled Ahly’s hopes, though they still require help from elsewhere.
Coach Jess Thorup, who is reportedly set to leave his post after Wednesday’s match, will hope to bow out on a positive note.
Masry, meanwhile, sit fifth on 40 points and are aiming to continue their improved run under new coach Emad El Nahass.
The 50-year-old replaced Tunisian Nabil Kouki following the team’s 4-1 defeat by Zamalek and has since overseen two wins and two draws in four matches.
The reverse fixture ended in a draw last November.
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