Ahly Edges Zamalek in Nail-Biting Egyptian Basketball Derby

Derby Thriller: Ahly Edges Zamalek 89-88

Al Ahly sealed the 11th round showdown in the Egyptian Basketball League, beating Zamalek 89-88 on Monday night at Zamalek's home court.

Ahly grabbed the decisive basket in the closing seconds thanks to Amr El-Gendy, delivering a clutch score that left the crowd gasping.

Zamalek led the opening period 29-20, but Ahly stormed back to take the second quarter 44-43.

Zamalek briefly pulled ahead again in the third, 66-60, before Ahly completed the comeback and secured the win.

The league uses a round-robin style for the placement rounds, with eight teams, where the winner earns two points and the loser one, guiding the standings and quarterfinal matchups.

Alongside Ahly and Zamalek, the classification round features Al Ittihad Alexandria, Sporting, Al Jazeera, Telecom Egypt, Petrojet, and Smouha.

That’s the kind of drama you expect when a derby doubles as a stepping stone toward the playoffs.

Punchline 1: The final second was so suspenseful that even the stadium's seating had a standing ovation for the clock.

Punchline 2: If basketball ever had a “checkmate” move, Amr El-Gendy just played it with a smile.