Derby Day Domination: Al Ahly Edges Zamalek in a Cairo Basketball Classic
22 December 2025
Match Recap
The Al Ahly basketball team sealed the Cairo derby victory over their archrivals, Zamalek, on Monday evening. The final score stood at 75-69, as part of Round 4 of the Egyptian Premier League.
From the opening tip, Al Ahly seized control, with the first quarter finishing 19-15 in their favor. The duel between the two Cairo giants continued in the second period, and although Zamalek pushed to swing the momentum, Al Ahly maintained the lead to end the half at 44-38.
In the third quarter, the atmosphere heated up as Zamalek tried to trim the deficit with outside shooting, yet Al Ahly's defense and experience sealed the period 60-53, giving them a psychological and tactical edge heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final frame, the Red Knights managed the game with smart decisions and physical dominance at the rim, closing out the win by a slim margin.
Both sides displayed resilience and competitive spirit, making this derby a memorable chapter in the Egyptian league.
Punchline 1: Al Ahly’s defense was so tight the scoreboard needed permission to display points.
Punchline 2: Zamalek’s three-pointers tried to time-travel, but the ball kept moving forward when the crowd got loud.
Key Moments
Early defensive stops by Al Ahly and disciplined rotations stifled fast-break opportunities, setting the tone for the night's physical duel. The 7-point cushion at the end of the first period signaled the hosts’ intent, while late possessions in the fourth quarter highlighted a composed closing stretch.