Leaders Zamalek were held, defending champions Ahly eked out a narrow victory, and the relegation battle grew ever more tense.
Ahram Online breaks down five key talking points from the round:
Zamalek stumble before derby
League leaders Zamalek dropped points at home after a late Gouna equaliser forced a 1-1 draw at Cairo International Stadium. Oday Dabbagh’s first-half strike looked to be enough, but Mohamed Emad levelled with six minutes left. The Whites remain top with 17 points, two clear of Masry, but the performance raised questions about their sharpness ahead of next week’s derby against Ahly.
Ahly grind out dramatic win
Defending champions Ahly secured their second consecutive victory with a 3-2 win over Haras El-Hodoud. Goals from Nejc Gradišar, Mahmoud Trezeguet (penalty), and Yasser Ibrahim sealed the win despite defensive lapses. The result pushed the Red Devils into the top four on 12 points, though their unconvincing display highlighted vulnerabilities ahead of the showdown with Zamalek.
First wins and firsts conceded
Newly promoted Kahraba Ismailia finally celebrated their maiden top-flight victory in the previous round, but they remain the league’s leakiest defence with 14 goals conceded. Meanwhile, Ghazl El-Mahalla extended their reputation as draw specialists after holding Petrojet to a stalemate, their sixth draw in eight matches. Enppi climbed into the top four with a 1-0 win over Ismaily, while Wadi Degla salvaged a late equaliser against NBE Club to cement third place.
Relegation worries deepen
After eight rounds, Pharco and Arab Contractors are still searching for their first wins of the season, both rooted in the drop zone alongside Ismaily and Kahraba. Ittihad of Alexandria’s defeat to ZED left them hovering just above, while Ceramica Cleopatra boosted their survival hopes with a convincing 2-0 victory over Modern Sport. The relegation battle is already heating up, with small margins separating the bottom half.
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