Two-Nil Triumph Keeps Cleopatra on Top of the Egyptian Premier League
23 November 2025
Matchday Highlights
Ceramica Cleopatra extended their lead in the Egyptian Premier League by defeating Pharco 2-0 on their opponents’ turf at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, opening the round 14 fixtures.
Hussein Al-Sayed opened the scoring in the 75th minute, and the South African striker Justus Arthur added the second in the 82nd, sealing the win for Cleopatra.
With this result, Cleopatra’s points tally rose to 29, solidifying their first-place position and giving them a six-point cushion over the titleholders Al Ahly. Pharco, meanwhile, stay at 12 points in the dangerous 16th spot.
The match was tighter than expected, as Pharco’s disciplined defense kept Cleopatra at bay for most of the game. Cleopatra’s coach Ali Maher responded to a stubborn resistance with forward-minded substitutions, bringing on attackers to try and break the deadlock.
According to Mohamed Abdul Karim, Cleopatra’s assistant coach, the game posed a real challenge coming off an international break, but the players showed resolve. The win also allows Cleopatra to chase a top-four finish and a possible African competition berth when the season resumes after the international window.
Modern Sport vs Bank Al Ahly
Back in Cairo, Modern Sport settled for a goalless draw with Bank Al Ahly at the end of a tense encounter, with Mohamed Messard earning man-of-the-match honors for his lively display on the flank.
Bank Al Ahly’s tactical tweaks failed to unlock the hosts’ defense, despite the late introductions of Ahmed Modbuli and Sid Abdullah ( nicknamed Neymar) in place of Mohamed Ibrahim and Togolese Yoannanor. Modern Sport, captained by their coach Magdi Abdel Aty, were unable to capitalize on the chances created, leaving the scoreline 0-0.
The draw nudged Bank Al Ahly to 17 points, eighth in the table, just behind Zed and Modern Sport in goal difference.
Enppi and Talae El Gaish Go Level
In the capital, Enppi and Talae El Gaish shared the spoils, drawing 1-1 after Enppi captain Ahmed Al-Ajouz converted a penalty in the 33rd minute while Tunisian Hossem Eddine Al-Swisi struck the leveller for Talae El Gaish in the 82nd minute.
Both sides walked off with their heads held high after a contest that featured several momentum swings and a few chances at either end.
With this result, Talae El Gaish sits on 11 points in 17th place, while Enppi climb to 7th on 19 points, as the league edges closer to its mid-season break.
Upcoming Fixtures and League Structure
Next weekend’s schedule includes Al Ittihad vs. El Gouna and Ceramica Cleopatra’s rivals Zed and Modern Sport potentially locking horns as the league looks ahead to a congested calendar. Three matches were postponed due to African competitions and travel abroad: Al Ahly vs Ismaily, Zamalek vs Smouha, and Misr El Makasa vs Wadi Degla.
The Egyptian league this season features 21 teams after last season’s no-relegation decision and the promotion of three clubs. The first stage of the 2025-2026 season will run normally, while the second stage will split the clubs into two groups to determine the champion and the continental qualifiers, with the second group comprising 14 teams fighting to avoid relegation. The setup aims to accelerate the season amid heavy local and continental commitments, including a future World Cup year in 2026 with the Pharaohs touring Africa and beyond.
Holder of the title, Al Ahly, enter the season as champions after a fierce battle with Pyramids FC for the top spot last year. Pyramids have officially lodged a CAS appeal against the league’s decision to deduct three points from Al Ahly following their walkout from the Cairo Derby against Zamalek last season.
