Repeat of AFCON 2025 final chaos in Egypt as Ceramica Cleopatra protest penalty decision in clash against Ismaily

Tempers flared on Tuesday night as the clash between Ceramica Cleopatra and Ismaily in Round 19 of the Egyptian Premier League descended into controversy following a series of dramatic late incidents.

The encounter was briefly halted in its closing stages after tensions escalated over a contentious refereeing decision. With the clock ticking towards full time, referee Mohamed Abbas Qabil pointed to the spot in the 89th minute after ruling that Justice Arthur had fouled Abdel Karim Mustafa inside the penalty area.

Ismaily converted the resulting kick to level the score at 1-1, sparking furious protests from the Ceramica bench.

In a bold reaction, Ceramica Cleopatra head coach Ali Maher instructed his players to leave the pitch in objection to the decision, forcing a temporary suspension of the match. However, after roughly five minutes of uncertainty, the team reconsidered and returned to the field, allowing play to resume.

The drama was far from over. The referee added significant stoppage time, during which Ceramica believed they had snatched a late winner.

Their celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened and disallowed the goal, instead awarding a penalty to Ceramica. Fakhri Lakay stepped up but saw his effort crash against the crossbar, compounding a frustrating evening for his side.

The outcome proved costly in the title race. Ceramica relinquished their advantage and slipped to fourth place on 36 points, level with Al Ahly in third and just one point behind leaders Zamalek and second-placed Pyramids FC.

The chaotic scenes evoked memories of a previous withdrawal episode in the league’s 18th round, as well as the dramatic incident involving the Senegal national football team during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In that earlier league fixture, a late penalty awarded to Ismaily Electricity in the 84th minute triggered fierce objections from Modern Sport, culminating in a brief walk-off before play eventually resumed. The penalty was finally taken in the 92nd minute, only for the Electricity player to fire over the bar as the match ended 1-1.

Tuesday’s confrontation once again highlighted the simmering tensions and high stakes that continue to define not just the Egyptian top-flight league but African football in general.