2 Big Moves Just Shook Egyptian Football's Power Balance
Just a few weeks ago, Al Ahly was reeling from a lost league title and a Champions League exit. Now, a historic coaching change is shaking up the Red Devils, while their arch-rivals Zamalek are battling a different kind of challenge at the top of the Premier League.
⚡ Key Takeaways
- Al Ahly officially appointed Moroccan coach Houcine Ammouta, marking a first in the club's storied history.
- This coaching shift comes after Al Ahly's disappointing season, which saw them lose the Egyptian Premier League title to Zamalek and exit the African Champions League.
- Zamalek currently leads the Egyptian Premier League standings, but they are navigating a critical appeal against a disciplinary transfer ban.
- These major developments set the stage for an incredibly intense and unpredictable battle for dominance in the upcoming Egyptian football season.
The Moroccan Maestro Taking Over Al Ahly
Imagine the pressure: stepping into the shoes of a coach who just lost the league title to your biggest rival. That's exactly the situation Houcine Ammouta finds himself in. Al Ahly officially announced the Moroccan coach's appointment for two seasons on June 16, 2026, making him the first Moroccan to lead the Red Devils.
Ammouta replaces Danish coach Jes Torup, whose contract was terminated following a season deemed disappointing, including Al Ahly's elimination from the African Champions League. The club's board, led by Mahmoud El Khatib, also approved a restructuring of the football department, bringing in former iconic player Yasser Radwan as assistant coach.
“Al Ahly is betting that Ammouta’s value will increase significantly under his development system.”
This move signals a clear intent from Al Ahly to reclaim their dominant position. Ammouta brings a strong pedigree, having led Wydad AC to the CAF Champions League title in 2017. Fans are hoping his fresh perspective and tactical prowess can reignite the team.
Zamalek's Tightrope Walk at the Top
While Al Ahly reshuffles, Zamalek is enjoying a strong run, currently sitting at the top of the Egyptian Premier League with 43 points, tied with Pyramids FC. But here's the part nobody's talking about enough: the White Knights are facing a disciplinary transfer ban.
The club is awaiting a crucial session to appeal this registration ban. This means their ability to strengthen the squad with new signings for the upcoming season is hanging in the balance. Think about it: you're leading the league, but can you keep that momentum without bringing in fresh talent?
Despite these challenges, Zamalek's management is actively working to resolve the issues, with reports indicating ongoing communication with CAF officials to secure their African license. They've also moved to secure key players like Ahmed Fattouh from external offers after the World Cup.
What This Means for the Egyptian Premier League Title Race
The stakes couldn't be higher. Al Ahly, with a new coach and a restructured football department, is hungry for revenge. Zamalek, leading the pack but under the shadow of a transfer ban, is fighting to maintain their hard-won position. This isn't just about two clubs; it's about the soul of Egyptian football.
Will Ammouta's arrival be the catalyst Al Ahly needs to surge back to the top? Or will Zamalek's resilience, even with potential transfer limitations, be enough to hold off their rivals and secure another league title? The upcoming season promises a thrilling spectacle for every Egyptian football fan.
