All eyes turn tonight, Monday, September 29, to Cairo International Stadium, hosting the 131st derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek, a match characterized by tactical rivalry alongside historic competition: Ferreira vs Al-Nahas.

This highly anticipated match, part of the ninth round of the 2025-2026 Egyptian Premier League, not only determines the derby winner but also serves as a true test of two different coaching ideologies.

Zamalek for consolidation.. Al Ahly for revival

Zamalek enters the match leading the league table with 17 points under the guidance of the experienced Belgian coach Yannick Ferreira. Meanwhile, Al Ahly seeks to regain its shine from eighth place with 12 points, under the temporary leadership of his son Emad Al-Nahas. The 5-point gap adds extra pressure on Al-Nahas, who aims to prove the local coach’s ability to compete with Ferreira’s European expertise.

The tactical battle: European 4-3-3 vs Egyptian 4-2-3-1

The differences in coaching approach are clear through the playing formations:

Ferreira’s mentality (4-3-3):

The Belgian coach tends to rely on a 4-3-3 to effectively utilize the wings. His tactic focuses on controlling the midfield rhythm through a central trio, with balanced pressing aimed at preventing Al Ahly from building attacks, and continuous movement of his star Juan Alvina and striker Oday Dabbagh to break down the red defense.

Al-Nahas’s ideas (4-2-3-1):

Al-Nahas prefers a 4-2-3-1 with defensive security via a double pivot. He heavily depends on quick counterattacks, activating Trezeguet as an advanced attacking pivot behind the striker, and exploiting the speed of the wings (Ashraf Ben Sherif or Trezeguet) to support the attack and pressure Zamalek’s defense.

The trump card: Alvina vs Al-Shahat

Each coach has a key strength to decide the battle:

• Al-Nahas’s bet (Hussein Al-Shahat): Al-Nahas is expected to rely on the experience and speed of Hussein Al-Shahat on the right wing. Despite his limited contribution in the previous match, his experience in big matches and his defensive duties alongside Mohamed Hany might make him the key to exploiting spaces behind Zamalek’s defense and an ideal alternative to Ashraf Ben Sherif, sometimes criticized for weak defensive support.
• Ferreira’s strength (Juan Alvina): Ferreira heavily relies on the exceptional individual abilities of Brazilian winger Juan Alvina, who possesses great speed, tactical flexibility, and high dribbling skills. Alvina is expected to be a constant threat to Al Ahly’s left back, potentially creating a decisive one-on-one battle on the red team’s left flank.

Concerns: Worries threatening the contenders

Both coaches face clear challenges before the showdown:

• Al-Nahas’s concerns as Al Ahly coach: He fears weak build-up from the back, which could cause loss of control. Defensive errors under high pressure and wasted attacking opportunities remain weaknesses to be avoided.
• Ferreira’s worries as Zamalek coach: He fears the defenders’ slowness against the opponents’ fast counterattacks. Additionally, over-reliance on a few playmakers is a weakness that Egyptian league teams might exploit, especially with the risk of losing focus at critical moments.