Egypt Cup: Zamalek and Pyramids set up a thrilling final after semifinal victories

The Egypt Cup 2025 continued with two semi-final clashes, setting up an exciting final between Zamalek and Pyramids after their respective victories over Ceramica Cleopatra and National Bank.

Zamalek 2-1 Ceramica Cleopatra

Zamalek secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra, with a late winner deciding the contest. The match was officiated by a foreign refereeing team following a request from Ceramica Cleopatra. An officiating crew from Honduras, led by international referee Said Martinez, took charge of the game.

In a surprising decision, Zamalek head coach José Peseiro opted to start star player Ahmed Sayed Zizo on the bench despite his recent return from international duty with Egypt, where he scored the winning goal against Sierra Leone.

Zamalek took the lead in the 33rd minute through a penalty converted by veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said. However, he missed another penalty in the 53rd minute, shooting the ball off target.

Ceramica Cleopatra responded in the 58th minute, with Ayman Moka netting the equalizer from inside the box after a low cross from Islam Eissa and an organised play between the team players.

Just a minute later, Zizo was introduced as a substitute, replacing Nasser Maher. The Zamalek star made an impactful appearance, scoring a last-minute goal in the 90th minute with a well-placed strike.

Zizo is in the final months of his contract with Zamalek, and negotiations over a renewal have yet to be finalized. Reports suggest Al Ahly may be interested in signing him.

With this win, Zamalek advances to the Egypt Cup final, where they will face Pyramids.

Pyramids 4-0 National Bank

The title holder, Pyramids delivered a big victory, crushing National Bank 4-0 at home to book their spot in the Egypt Cup final.

The match was decided early, as Pyramids wrapped up the first half with a 3-0 lead.

Congolese striker Fiston Mayele continued his good form by scoring the opening goal in the 14th minute, using his shoulder to direct a cross from Mostafa Fathi into the net.

This goal follows Mayele's recent strike for DR Congo against Mauritania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Ahmed Atef doubled Pyramids’ lead in the 18th minute with a header, connecting with a cross from right-back Mohamed Chibi.

Burkinabé midfielder Blati Touré extended the lead in the 25th minute, firing a left-footed shot from the edge of the box into the net.

In the second half, National Bank’s Mahmoud El-Gazzar was sent off after striking Mayele in the 60th minute, leading to a penalty for Pyramids. Ramadan Sobhi converted from the spot in the 63rd minute, scoring the fourth goal.

Pyramids have now extended their unbeaten streak to 23 matches, with 19 wins and 4 draws.

Grand final awaits

The stage is now set for a big Egypt Cup final between two of the country’s top teams, Zamalek and Pyramids.