Al Ahly and Al Ittihad Alexandria open Associated League with victories

The 2026-27 Egyptian men’s Basketball Associated League began with wins for defending champions Al Ahly and Al Ittihad Alexandria on an opening day that featured three matches.

Al Ahly defeated Ashab El-Giad 80-56, while Al Ittihad Alexandria recorded an emphatic 84-43 victory over El-Sayd. In the other men’s fixture, Al Canal edged Petrojet 73-71.

The corresponding Under-16 Associated League matches produced three different results. Al Ahly beat Ashab El-Giad 82-44, Al Ittihad Alexandria overcame El-Sayd 80-26 and Petrojet responded to the senior team’s defeat by beating Al Canal 77-57.

The competition is regarded as one of the key events in the Egyptian basketball calendar. Its final standings will determine the first-round match-ups in the Basketball Super League, which leads to qualification for the African Basketball League.

Sixteen teams are taking part in this season’s tournament: Al Ahly, Al Ittihad Alexandria, Telecom Egypt, Zamalek, Petrojet, Sporting, Smouha, Al Jazira, Al Canal, Tala’ea El Gaish, Heliopolis, El Olympi, Ashab El-Giad, El-Sayd, El Zohour and Damanhour Games.

The preliminary stage is being played on a home-and-away basis. Two points are awarded to a team that wins both its men’s and Under-16 Associated League match, while the losing side receives one point.

The four group winners will progress directly to the quarter-finals. Teams finishing second and third in each group will then compete in play-off matches for the remaining places in the last eight.

Al Ahly are the holders of the men’s Basketball Associated League title after defeating Al Ittihad Alexandria in the previous edition.