Zamalek Edges Piromids to Set Up Abu Dhabi Final Against Al Ahly

First Half

Zamalek came out with purpose, pressing high and nearly opening the scoring late in the opening period after a quick break routed by Nasser Maher that found Amr Nasser, but the rival defense denied the chance at the last moment. A follow-up effort by Ady Dabbagh did not threaten the goalkeeper or the woodwork.

As the half unfolded, the white-clad side controlled play while Piramids attempted to exploit wide areas through Mohammed Al-Sheibi’s runs, yet Zamalek’s back line held firm and kept the scoreline level. A fierce shot from a Piramids forward just missed the target and a dangerous cross was cleared by the defense, leaving the teams level at the break.

In the 42nd minute, Adi Dabbagh picked up a muscle issue and was replaced by Ahmed Sharif, a substitution that shifted the balance as both sides sought the breakthrough before halftime. The first half ended without goals, with nerves and discipline deciding most duels in the middle of the park.

Second Half

At the restart, Zamalek brought Abdullah Al-Saeed on for Ahmed Rabie to strengthen the midfield, while Piramids answered with Ali Jaber for Mahmoud Mar’i after the break. The tempo remained even as both sides searched for the decisive moment.

Piramids created a couple of half-chances through patient buildup and crosses, but the finishing touch eluded them while Zamalek defended resolutely and looked to catch their rival on the break. The tactical chess match continued with changes intended to tilt the balance, yet neither side could convert before the full time whistle.

The match drifted into extra effort moments, with the feeling that a single moment could break the deadlock. The key narrative remained a stubborn defensive display and a reliance on set-pieces and quick counters from the wings.

Penalties

In the shootout, Piramids converted their first four kicks – a sign of nerves under pressure – before Mustafa Abdul Rahim "Ziko" missed the crucial fifth attempt. Zamalek answered with a perfect five-for-five, as Abdullah Al-Saeed, Mahmoud Hamdi "El-Wenesh", Nasser Maher, Mohamed Shahat, and Saif El-Din El Jaziri all found the net to seal a 5-4 victory and book a meeting with Al Ahly in Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Awad’s reflex save against Ziko sealed the triumph for Zamalek, capping a dramatic night that mirrored last season’s final but with the outcome decided from 12 yards. Nasser Maher picked up the man-of-the-match award for his all-around contribution in midfield, box-to-box work, and playmaking that helped steer his side through a tense encounter.

Caption: Zamalek celebrate a dramatic shootout win to advance to the final in Abu Dhabi.

Punchline 1: If penalties were a lottery, tonight Zamalek bought the winning ticket and left Piramids with the souvenir of a near-miss soundtrack. Punchline 2: Football is the only place where a dramatic shootout has spectators leaving the arena with a PhD in suspense and a trophy-shaped grin on their faces.