On February 26, 2025, the Egyptian Premier League will witness an exciting clash as Haras El Hodood hosts the defending champions, Al Ahly, at the packed Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria, kicking off at 15:00 CET. Both teams have everything to fight for, making this match one of the highlights of the round.
Haras El Hodood has quietly impressed this season, currently resting in sixth place with 22 points after 15 matches. Their solid home performance has seen them lose only once, keeping clean sheets in their last five home games. Coach Mohamed Youssef has steered the team to transformative victories, igniting optimism among fans and players alike. This newfound form, showcased by two draws against Petrojet and only one loss to league leaders Pyramids FC, demonstrates their fighting spirit.
On the other side of the pitch, Al Ahly stands tall at second place with 33 points, just three points shy of Pyramids FC. The club is known for its unwavering dominance, having secured all major trophies in recent years, including four CAF Champions League titles over the last five seasons. Their recent 1-1 draw against their eternal rivals, Zamalek, was seen as a setback, hampering their title defense momentum. Coach Marcel Koller, who will have to navigate through missing key players, including Ali Maaloul and Mohamed Afsha, still has strong options with the likes of right-back Omar Kamal returning from injury.
The history favors Al Ahly, who have not lost to Haras El Hodood since 2015. This unmatched track record creates added pressure on the hosts, eager to turn past misfortunes around. The immense potential within Al Ahly's squad has consistently seen them tempo their way through the league, and fans are banking on striker Mohamed Sherif to shake off defenders and convert chances. Sherif's recent performances depict his role as central to the team’s attacking style.
Meanwhile, Haras El Hodood can count on rising star Mohamed Ashraf Roaa, whose speed and agility have developed him as one of their key players this season. Roaa has repeatedly demonstrated his capability to create threats down the flanks and secure scoring opportunities. His composure under pressure reflects his growing importance within the squad.
Betting odds reflect the significant difference in expectations between the two teams. Al Ahly is favored heavily to win, with odds ranging from 1.30 to 1.45, implying about 77-80% chance of victory, whereas Haras El Hodood’s odds reach 9.00-9.50, signaling only about 10% probability of winning. These statistics underline the reality of the match: Al Ahly’s stature as formidable contenders compared to the resilient underdogs.
The raucous atmosphere within the Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, with its capacity of about 15,000 spectators, heightens the stakes, promising a fantastic soccer experience. The fans, known for their fervent support, intend to outshine external pressures, providing Haras El Hodood players with wings to fly and channel their aggressive brand of soccer.
Historically, each match between the two clubs offers not only competitive soccer but also the narrative of David versus Goliath—where Haras El Hodood strives to overcome the shadows of their historical rivals. This encounter will serve not only as another chapter but also as another opportunity for Haras El Hodood to assert their competitive capabilities against one of the most successful and adored clubs within Egyptian football.
Looking forward, observers anticipate entertaining soccer laden with goals, reflecting both clubs' attacking styles. The compact tactics of Al Ahly will seek to nullify the threats posed by Haras El Hodood, and vice versa. Predictions lean toward Al Ahly securing three points, yet football often breeds previous headlines, leaving room for surprise results.
With everything at stake during this February afternoon, one can only hope for a match filled with potential drama—a thriving spectacle for players, teams, and fans alike.