Zamalek eliminated as Egyptian Linked League semi-final ties are confirmed

Zamalek have been knocked out of the Egyptian Linked League despite beating El Gezira, with El Gezira securing qualification on points with one round of the quarter-final stage still to play.

The result means the semi-final line-up has been confirmed, with Al Ahly facing Smouha and Al Ittihad meeting El Gezira.

Zamalek will play Petrojet in the final round of the quarter-final stage, while El Gezira will face Al Ahly.

The semi-final fixtures are:

– Al Ahly v Smouha – Al Ittihad v El Gezira

Egyptian Linked League format

The competition features 16 teams: Al Ahly, Al Ittihad Alexandria, Telecom Egypt, Zamalek, Petrojet, Sporting, Smouha, El Gezira, El Qanah, Tala’ea El Gaish, Heliopolis, Olympic, Ashab El Gead, El Seid, El Zohour and Damanhour Games.

The preliminary stage is played over two legs. Two points are awarded to the team that wins both the men’s match and the linked Under-16 fixture, while the losing team receives one point.

The leaders of each of the four groups qualify directly for the quarter-finals. The teams finishing second and third then play advantage matches to decide the remaining places in the last eight.

Zamalek’s victory over El Gezira was not enough to keep them in contention, as El Gezira’s points total gave them an unassailable advantage before the end of the stage.