Zamalek crowned CAF Super Cup champions over Al Ahly

Zamalek have won the CAF Super Cup for the fifth time in their history after beating Al Ahly 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This win sees the Whites repeat their triumph over Al Ahly in the CAF Super Cup after exactly 30 years, having clinched the 1994 edition also against the Reds.

This victory also marks Zamalek’s first major title since 2020, while Al Ahly lost the CAF Super Cup for the second consecutive year, keeping their total at eight titles.

The match started cautiously until Wessam Abou Ali won a free kick on the edge of Zamalek’s penalty area. The Palestinian stepped up for the kick, but it was saved by Mohamed Awad.

Al Ahly’s Mohamed Hany was forced off with an injury in the 27th minute and was replaced by Omar Kamal.

Just a few minutes before the half-time whistle, Akram Tawfik launched a solo run into Zamalek’s box, forcing Awad into another save; however, while shooting the ball, Hamza Mathlouthi tackled Tawfik, with VAR urging the referee to consult the incident.

Following a long VAR, Al Ahly were awarded a penalty, which was converted by Wissam Abou Ali to put the Reds into the lead just before the break.

Zamalek started the second half aggressively, with Mostafa Shalaby and Nasser Maher both missing opportunities. Zizo also forced El-Shenawy into a double save later.

In the 63rd minute, Zamalek made their first substitution, bringing on new signing Konrad Michalak, and Al Ahly responded with two changes, introducing Taher Mohamed Taher and Mohamed Magdy “Afsha.”

In the 77th minute, Zamalek equalised through Nasser Maher, who scored from his first touch, capitalizing on a mistake by Yahia Attia Allah. Omar Gaber’s cross from the right was met by Mansi, who slotted the ball into the net.

Both teams made further changes as the game neared its conclusion, but neither could find a winner in regular time, sending the match to penalties.

In the shootout, Zamalek triumphed 4-3, with Al Ahly’s Yahia Attia Allah and Wessam Abou Ali missing their penalties. For Zamalek, Abdallah El-Said, Hamza Mathlouthi, Nasser Mansi, and Hossam Abdelmagid all scored, securing the victory.