Handball Sparks Fire: Al Ahly Storms to Egyptian Super Cup Final amid Controversy
6 November 2025
Late drama and a decisive win for Al Ahly
A heated clash lived up to the hype as Al Ahly defeated Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 in the Egyptian Super Cup semi-final, staged at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. The match delivered high-octane action and drama until the final whistle, leaving fans buzzing and analysts debating key moments.
Al Ahly grabbed the lead with a breakthrough from Mahmoud Hassan, known as Trezeguet, before Nets Gradychar sealed the comeback with a second goal. Ceramica Cleopatra pulled one back through Marwan Osman, setting up a tense finish and a storyline that will linger in fans’ minds for days.
In the frantic closing stages, Ceramica appealed for a penalty, arguing there were successive handball incidents by an Al Ahly defender and a teammate. The on-field referee did not call a foul, and no VAR review was initiated to revisit the moment, a decision that sparked post-match talk and social media buzz about officiating and technology in big games.
Shenawy, the Al Ahly captain and goalkeeper, spoke after the game about the team’s deserved progress and the clear instructions from head coach Yees Turup, stressing that the squad is focused on the trophy ahead. He praised the fans and the UAE crowd, noting that the atmosphere boosted the team’s performance and professional standards in a foreign venue.
Ceramica’s coach Ali Maher and his squad expressed pride in a strong display but lamented missed opportunities and a late hit that proved decisive. Their goalkeeper, Mohamed Bassam, reflected on a difficult night, acknowledging the early concession and lauding the team’s effort to rally and apply pressure, even as the final whistle confirmed a setback.
Ash of the night: historical dominance
The result underscored Al Ahly’s enduring supremacy in Egyptian football. The club has dominated the Egyptian Super Cup, building a tally that far outstrips rivals and extending its recent run by multiple consecutive finals appearances and trophies. Ceramica Cleopatra, while competitive, remains seeking a breakthrough against the Reds in big domestic showdowns.
Historically, the competition has featured a few upsets and surprising runs, but Al Ahly’s continued success cements its status as a benchmark in Egyptian football. The team’s latest win puts them in a strong position to chase a 16th title, with the final against either their arch-rivals or another top contender looming as a stern test of consistency and depth across tournaments.
As both teams recover, analysts will dissect tactical choices, substitutions, and the narrative of the semi-final, which added another vivid chapter to the rivalry and the competition’s evolving legacy. Fans can anticipate a dramatic finale that could redefine the season’s arc for both clubs.
Final thoughts and a dose of humor
In the end, Al Ahly’s resilience paid off, and the campaign sails on with a chance at redemption and glory. For Ceramica Cleopatra, the path remains open to a strong finish and perhaps a future shot at meeting Al Ahly again in a marquee final.
Punchline time: If defending titles were a sport, Al Ahly would need a bigger trophy cabinet—and maybe a moving truck for all the silverware. Punchline two: When life hands you a late handball decision, just call it a plot twist and put on your best victory dance—because hey, drama is half the sport and Al Ahly just supplied the other half with a 2-1 win.
