Egypt Cup last-16 draw set as Pyramids begin title defence

The Egypt Cup has reached the last-16 stage, with the competition’s leading teams set for a series of potentially difficult ties on the route to the final.

Most Egyptian Premier League sides overcame opponents from lower divisions in the round of 32. The exception was Wadi El Dakhleya, who were eliminated by Kahraba Ismailia in a penalty shootout.

Tala’ea El-Gaish, Modern Sport and Ghazl El Mahalla were also knocked out before the last 16. Asyut Petroleum, Canal and Al Ittihad Alexandria were responsible for those early exits.

The teams listed as progressing to the next round are Al Ittihad Alexandria, El Gouna, National Bank of Egypt, Smouha, Al Sharqia, ENPPI, Zamalek, Al Masry, Ceramica Cleopatra, Pyramids, Al Ahly, Montakhab El Suez, Petrojet, Canal, Kahraba Ismailia, Asyut Petroleum, Al Mokawloon Al Arab and ZED.

Pyramids are the holders after beating ZED in last season’s Egypt Cup final.

Egypt Cup last-16 ties

The last-16 fixtures and the route to the final are:

– Zamalek v Al Sharqia ENPPI – El Gouna v Al Ittihad Alexandria

– Al Ahly v Montakhab El Suez Petrojet – Al Mokawloon Al Arab v Canal

– Pyramids v National Bank of Egypt – Al Masry v Asyut Petroleum

– ZED v Smouha – Kahraba Ismailia v Ceramica Cleopatra

The bracket places Zamalek and El Gouna in one section, alongside their respective opponents, while Al Ahly’s tie and the meeting between Al Mokawloon Al Arab and Canal form the other matches in that half.

In the remaining section, defending champions Pyramids will face National Bank of Egypt, with Al Masry drawn against Asyut Petroleum. ZED, beaten by Pyramids in last season’s final, will meet Smouha, while Kahraba Ismailia face Ceramica Cleopatra.

The last-16 line-up was completed after the round of 32, which saw top-flight teams generally progress against lower-division opposition. Kahraba Ismailia’s penalty shootout victory over Wadi El Dakhleya was the only exception among those results.

Tala’ea El-Gaish, Modern Sport and Ghazl El Mahalla were the other notable casualties, with each losing to a team that advanced to the next stage. Asyut Petroleum eliminated Tala’ea El-Gaish, Canal defeated Modern Sport and Al Ittihad Alexandria ended Ghazl El Mahalla’s campaign.