The season kicks off with newly promoted Wadi Degla hosting African champions Pyramids FC at El-Salam Stadium in Cairo, marking the start of what is expected to be a fiercely contested season.
For the first time, the league will feature 21 teams instead of the traditional 18, after the Egyptian Pro League (EPL) opted to cancel relegation last season.
The promotion of Arab Contractors, Wadi Degla, and debutants Kahrabet El-Ismailya expanded the field.
The league will maintain the same format as last season: all 21 clubs will play a single round before being split into two groups.
The top seven will compete for the title, while the remaining 14 will battle to avoid relegation.
This season, four teams will be relegated instead of three.
Ahly start as favourites
Ahly enter the season as overwhelming favourites, having reinforced their squad with high-profile signings during the summer transfer window.
The Cairo giants brought in Egypt international Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, who returns home after a long spell in Europe, and winger Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed in a shock move from rivals Zamalek.
Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane also joined to bolster the midfield.
These additions complement an already strong core including skipper Mohamed El-Shennawy, Emam Ashour and Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki.
Despite a disappointing showing at the FIFA Club World Cup, Ahly remain focused on domestic success.
“We’re ready for this special season. The club’s strategy is always about winning titles,” Trezeguet told reporters.
The Red Devils are now under the guidance of new head coach José Riveiro, who will look to maintain the club’s dominance and capture a record-extending 46th domestic title.
Pyramids pose biggest threat
Pyramids FC came close to winning their first league title last season, only to be overtaken by Ahly in the final stages.
They responded by capturing the CAF Champions League title — the first in their history — confirming their growing stature.
Despite a quiet transfer window, Pyramids added Brazilian winger Ewerton to replace star Ibrahim Adel, who joined UAE’s Al Jazira.
Croatian coach Krunoslav Jurčić, who took charge in February 2024, continues at the helm with a stable squad and coaching staff.
“Our African title confirmed we are on the right track. We’ll do everything to win the domestic league,” said sporting director Hany Saed.
Zamalek rebuild under Ferrera
Zamalek, meanwhile, have undergone a major overhaul. The club appointed a new sporting director, John Edward, who reshaped the squad by signing 10 new players and hiring Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera.
After finishing third last season and exiting the CAF Confederation Cup at the quarter-final stage, Zamalek salvaged some pride by winning the Egypt Cup. Expectations remain tempered, with questions around the quality of new signings.
“I can’t promise results, but I vow that we will fight fiercely in every game to make our fans proud,” Ferrera said at a news conference on Wednesday.
Outside contenders and debutants
Clubs such as Masry, Ceramica Cleopatra and NBE Club are expected to be competitive, though their chances of challenging for the title appear slim. Their focus will likely be on securing a continental qualification spot.
Arab Contractors return to the top flight after one season in the second tier, while Wadi Degla are back after a four-year absence. Kahrabet El-Ismailya, meanwhile, will make their Premier League debut and aim to avoid an immediate drop.
The expanded league promises more fixtures, greater competition, and higher stakes in what could be one of the most unpredictable Egyptian Premier League seasons in recent memory.
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