Football enthusiasts in Egypt are eagerly anticipating the kickoff of the current edition of the Egyptian Super Cup, presented in an entirely new format distinct from the previous 20 editions.
The Egyptian Football Association, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has revealed a radical transformation for the Super Cup.
It will now feature four clubs instead of the customary two, hosted in Abu Dhabi for the next four consecutive years.
In its previous form, the Egyptian Super Cup featured a single match between the champions of the league and the Egypt Cup.
Notably, Al Ahly stands as the most decorated club in the history of the competition, boasting 12 triumphs.
Under the new tournament regulations, a match will be contested between the league and the League Cup champions.
Meanwhile, the latter will consist of the league runner-up and the Egypt Cup champion or the team that qualifies according to the championship’s criteria.
If a team clinches both the league and the Egypt Cup, the league runner-up will participate in the tournament directly.
If a team secures victories in two other tournaments, the selection will be based on their league position.
Participating for the first time alongside traditional contenders like Al Ahly, Pyramids FC, and Ceramica Cleopatra, Modern Future adds a fresh dynamic to the competition.
Notably, Zamalek is excluded from this edition due to their withdrawal from the previous Egypt Cup, with Pyramids FC serving as their replacement in the clash against Al Ahly.
The victor of the newly formatted Super Cup will claim a prize of $250,000, with the runner-up receiving $125,000.
The third-place finisher will secure $75,000, and the fourth-place contender will be awarded $50,000.
As the tournament unfolds, Pyramids FC will encounter Modern Future, while Al Ahly will face Ceramica Cleopatra in the semi-finals.
The winners will progress to the final, with the match for the third and fourth places scheduled for December 28.
Al Ahly, currently grappling with fatigue due to their participation in three matches in the FIFA Club World Cup within 10 days, is expected to rely heavily on the Frenchman Anthony Modeste.
He saw limited action in the recent match against Al Ittihad Jeddah before receiving a red card.
Meanwhile, Ceramica Cleopatra, led by Ayman El Ramady, seeks its first-ever victory against Al Ahly.
In their previous encounters, Al Ahly emerged victorious in five matches, with two ending in draws.
Pyramids FC will face Modern Future in their bid to secure a spot in the final and potentially clinch their inaugural title in the club’s history.
Modern Future, led by Ayman El Ramady, aims to ascend to the final and pursue their second trophy after winning the Egyptian League Cup in its inaugural edition.
