Ahly delay Egyptian Premiere League title celebrations to focus on archrivals Zamalek derby

Ahly s players celebrate their first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup first round football match between Egypt s Al-Ahly and New Zealand s Auckland City at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on February 1, 2023. AFP 

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The Red Devils have decided to delay their celebrations for clinching the Egyptian Premier League title in order to focus on the derby match against their arch-rivals Zamalek on Thursday.

Ahly secured the league title after Pyramids FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ceramica Cleopatra on Monday which left the Red Devils with an unassailable lead at the top of the league table with 75 points from 29 matches.

Despite their title win, Ahly officials have maintained media silence to focus on the inconsequential but still crucial match against their archrivals Zamalek.

Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz stated that the players and staff will put celebrations on hold to concentrate on their preparations for the crucial derby.

Ahly will begin their preparations for the White Knights following a 48-hour rest granted by coach Marcel Koller following the 2-0 victory over Ittihad of Alexandria on Saturday.

More trophies in play

The Red devils have now secured a record-extending 43rd title, their first since 2021 when Zamalek clinched two consecutive championships.

Ahly have already secured the Egyptian Super Cup in October 2022 and May 2023, the Egypt Cup in April, and the African Champions League in June.

If they win the current edition of the Egypt Cup, in addition to the upcoming Egyptian Super Cup 2023 and the African Super Cup 2023, Ahly could mark an unprecedented season of trophies.

Ahly crowned Egyptian Premier League champions

Ahly s Egyptian midfielder Hussein el-Shahat celebrates with teammates after scoring his teams first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup first round football match between Egypt s Al-Ahly and New Zealand s Auckland City at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on February 1, 2023. AFP 

fbarena.com

Ahly secured the Egyptian Premier League title on Monday without even needing to set foot on the field, as Pyramids FC suffered a 2-1 defeat against Ceramica Cleopatra.

In a thrilling encounter, former Ahly striker Salah Mohsen scored twice in the 45th and 83rd minutes, canceling out Karim Hafez's early goal in the 37th minute to secure the full points of the game for Ceramica Cleopatra.

With 75 points from 29 matches, Ahly cannot be caught by second-placed Pyramids FC, who sit on 67 points after 32 games, with only two matches left in their campaign.

The Red Devils have now secured a record-extending 43rd title, their first since 2021 when their arch-rivals, Zamalek, clinched consecutive championships.

Ahly's success this season has been nothing short of remarkable. The team remains undefeated, boasting an impressive attacking prowess with 54 goals scored, while maintaining a robust defense, conceding only seven times.

Ahly on for historic season

Swiss coach Marcel Koller is enjoying an extraordinary maiden season. Koller, who assumed the coaching role in September 2022, has already led the team to five titles in just 10 months. This includes victories in the Egyptian Super Cup in October 2022 and May 2023, Egypt Cup in April, the African Champions League in June, and now the league title.

Despite their triumph, Ahly's season is far from over. The team still has the current edition of the Egypt Cup to contest, in addition to the upcoming Egyptian Super Cup 2023 and the African Super Cup 2023. Should Ahly secure victory in these competitions, it would mark an unprecedented season of trophies.

    The Egyptian League Champions .. Al Ahly SC 🦅 pic.twitter.com/NrnTTdt8XL

    — Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) July 10, 2023