Al Ahly, led by Spanish coach José Ribeiro, has closed the chapter on their match against Ghazl El Mahalla held on Monday evening at El Mahalla Stadium in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League, to prepare for a new round against Pyramids. Al Ahly aims to retain the league title, having won it last season after a fierce competition with Pyramids until the last round, capitalizing on Pyramids’ slip-ups in the final matches. Al Ahly started the current league season with a 2-2 draw against Modern Sport, then defeated Pharco 4-1, and did not play in the third round due to the competition system involving only 21 teams. The team is preparing to face Pyramids at 9 PM next Saturday at Al Salam Stadium in the fifth round. Al Ahly won last season’s league title by only two points ahead of Pyramids after a strong rivalry.

The 2025-2026 Egyptian Premier League season started with an exceptional system including 21 teams after relegation was canceled last season. The current edition features 21 teams after the cancellation of relegation and the promotion of three clubs from the second division to join the 18 top division clubs. Al Ahly faces tough matches in the first 10 rounds, including Pyramids in round five at Al Salam Stadium and Zamalek in round nine. Injuries are affecting Al Ahly’s squad for the Pyramids match, with Marwan Attia and Yasser Ibrahim out due to injuries; the former underwent hernia surgery, and the latter suffers from a left thigh muscle tear. Also absent are Yassin Marai with a hamstring strain, Mohamed Shokry with a quadriceps strain, and Imam Ashour who is not yet match-fit after recovering from a clavicle fracture.

Al Ahly signed Tunisian Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan and regained star Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, as well as Malian Aliou Yang. They also signed Ahmed Mostafa Zizo, goalkeeper Mohamed Siha from Al Mokawloon Al Arab, defender Ahmed Ramadan Beckham from Ceramica, and permanently purchased Mostafa Al-Ash from ZED after his loan ended. Mohamed Shokry joined from Ceramica, Yassin Marai from Pharco, and Mohamed Sherif on a free transfer. Departures include Wissam Abu Ali, Ali Maaloul, Amr El Solia, Akram Tawfik, Hamza Alaa, Rami Rabia, and the end of Moroccan Yahia Attia Allah’s loan. Omar Al-Saei was loaned to Al Masry for a season, Karim El Debes to Ceramica, Moroccan Reda Slim to Royal Army of Morocco, Samir Mohamed to Petrojet, and Khaled Abdel Fattah, Karim Nedved, and Mostafa Al-Badri left permanently.

Pyramids only strengthened their squad by signing Brazilian Everton da Silva, Mahmoud Gad goalkeeper from Al Masry, and Mustafa Ziko, winger from ZED. The Al Ahly vs. Pyramids match will be broadcast on On Sport channel with an analytical studio featuring Egyptian football stars.