Al Ahly looked to reclaim the top spot in the Egyptian Premier League as they faced Haras El Hedoud on February 26, 2025. The much-anticipated match kicked off at 4 PM Cairo time at the Borg El Arab Stadium. Al Ahly was coming off a draw against their fierce rival, Zamalek, and was eager to secure three points to put them back on track for the title.
The stakes were high for both teams. Al Ahly entered the match sitting second in the league with 33 points from 15 games, just behind Pyramids FC, who were leading with 36 points. Coach Mohamed Youssef's Haras El Hedoud, on the other hand, was positioned sixth with 22 points and sought to bolster their standing with a positive result against the giants of Egyptian football.
Al Ahly's recent performance had been mixed; they started the season with strong wins, including an impressive 5-2 victory over Ceramica in the first round. Successive wins punctuated their action, but they faced several draws against teams like Al Ittihad and Enppi, showing they were vulnerable. The draw against Zamalek, where the match ended 1-1, left the fans dissatisfied and anxious about the club’s possibility of clinching the title this season.
For this match, Al Ahly's lineup included key players such as Mustafa Shoubir, center back Ashraf Dari, and experienced winger Hussein El Shahat. The tactical setup was aimed at enhancing their attack, especially with the attacking prowess of players like Ashraf Bencharki. The pressure was on them to deliver, and anything less than victory would be seen as another step back.
"Al Ahly is set to play against Haras El Hedoud with the aim of regaining lost momentum and securing the top spot in the league," said analysts prior to the match, underlining the importance of this clash. The pressure on Al Ahly was palpable, as fans expected nothing less than dominance against lower-ranked teams.
Haras El Hedoud, coming under the guidance of coach Mohamed Youssef, aimed to capitalize on any signs of weakness from Al Ahly. The club was competing fiercely to maintain its status among the league’s top-tier teams and had swift players capable of surprising their opponents. Youssef's tactical mindset was clear: frustrate Al Ahly and take every opportunity to strike when the defensive line was vulnerable.
Fans eagerly anticipated the game as it was broadcasted live on On Time Sports, featuring expert commentary and analysis. Amir Mohrous led the commentary for the match, adding flair and excitement to the experience for viewers.
Both teams understood the importance of the match—not just for the points but for the morale of the players and fans alike. A win for Al Ahly would mean reclaiming the first position on the table, reaffirming their dominance. Meanwhile, Haras El Hedoud needed the points to solidify their dreams of finishing within the upper echelons of the league and perhaps challenge for more ambitious goals.
The unique format of this season’s league has removed the traditional home-and-away matches, making every point even more precious. Each team faced only one another once, which heightened the stakes for this encounter. For Al Ahly, maintaining their winning tradition was imperative as they fought to defend their league title, claiming victory last season for the 44th time.
With both teams ready to fight for their objectives, excitement buzzed through the stadium and among fans watching remotely. Would Al Ahly rise to the occasion and return to the top of the league? Or could Haras El Hedoud stage one of the season’s biggest upsets?