Al Ahly and Zamalek make surprise selections for Egyptian Premier League derby

Al Ahly and Zamalek have both named unexpected starting line-ups for Sunday’s Egyptian Premier League meeting, with the two Cairo rivals separated only by goal difference after five matches.

Al Ahly, coached by Moroccan Hussein Ammouta, are third with 13 points, while Zamalek sit second on the same total. The derby is the headline fixture of the sixth round of the competition.

Ammouta has handed left-back Tawfik Mohamed his first start in the Egyptian Premier League. The defender previously started Al Ahly’s Egypt Capital Cup match against Assiut Petroleum, which they won 5-0.

Al Ahly’s starting XI is:

Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir

Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Achraf Dari, Yassin Marei, Tawfik Mohamed

Midfielders: Akram Tawfik, Marwan Attia, Imam Ashour

Forwards: Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Achraf Bencharki, Sofiane Benjedida

Zamalek have also made a notable selection decision, with coach Moataz Gamal leaving all three recognised strikers – Nasser Mansi, Adi Al-Dabbagh and Hossam Ashraf – among the substitutes.

Instead, Ahmed Sherif starts as the team’s central striker, with Chico Banza also included in the forward line.

Zamalek’s team is:

Goalkeeper: Mehdi Soliman

Defenders: Mahmoud Bentayg, Mahmoud El Wensh, Mohamed Ismail, Omar Gaber

Midfielders: Mohamed Shehata, Ahmed Rabie, Ahmed Fattouh, Abdullah El Said

Forwards: Chico Banza, Ahmed Sherif

Both clubs confirmed their line-ups on their official social media accounts on 11 October 2026.