Egypt Cup: last-16 matches set for 18-20 November, but Al Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids FC held back

The Egyptian Football Association has set 18 to 20 November as the provisional dates for the Egypt Cup last 16, although the matches involving Al Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids FC will be played later.

A source from the Egyptian Football Association told FilGoal.com: “The Egypt Cup last 16 will take place between 18 and 20 November.”

The source said El Gouna will face Al Ittihad Alexandria on 18 November, while Smouha will play ZED on 19 November.

However, the three leading clubs have been excluded from that date window because of the number of players called up for international duty during the current international break.

“The matches involving Al Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids FC have been excluded from 18 to 20 November,” the source said.

“This is because of the number of players selected for international duty. Their matches will be scheduled at a later date.”

The source added that the Egyptian Football Association had originally designated the 18-20 November period for an earlier stage of the competition.

“The association had previously set 18 to 20 November for the Egypt Cup, but that was for the round of 32,” the source said. “The Egyptian Super Cup was postponed and the round of 32 was played instead.”

The Egyptian Football Association is expected to announce the confirmed last-16 schedule.

The remaining fixtures include Zamalek against Eastern Company and ENPPI, while Al Ahly are drawn against Suez National and Petrojet. Pyramids FC will face National Bank of Egypt.

The last-16 draw and route to the final are listed as follows:

– Zamalek v Eastern Company, ENPPI – El Gouna v Al Ittihad Alexandria

– Al Ahly v Suez National, Petrojet – Arab Contractors v Al Qanah

– Pyramids FC v National Bank of Egypt – Al Masry v Petrojet Asyut

– ZED v Smouha – Ismaily Electricity v Ceramica Cleopatra