Zamalek vs Ceramica Cleopatra: prediction, head-to-head and probable line-ups – 17 February 2026
One of the Egypt Cup clashes will unfold on Tuesday at the iconic Cairo International Stadium, where local giants Zamalek host Ceramica Cleopatra. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this encounter with strong chances of success.
Match preview
Zamalek come into this game in excellent form. In their last six matches across all competitions, the team has picked up five wins, including recent triumphs over Smouha (1-0) in the league and Kaizer Chiefs (2-1) in the Confederation Cup. Yes, there was a defeat to ZESCO United (0-1), but overall, the team is showing mature football with a rock-solid defense – just 11 goals conceded in 15 league rounds.
Their home record is particularly impressive: five wins and a draw in their last six games on their own turf. Zamalek find the net consistently (they’ve scored in 88% of their matches this season) and rarely falter before halftime – a run of 17 straight league games unbeaten at the break. With such stability, it’s no surprise the team remains in the title race, sitting on 31 points with a game in hand over the leader.
Ceramica Cleopatra are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent years and deservedly top the league table. With 35 points from 16 rounds, 11 wins, and only three defeats, they’re showing the hallmarks of a mature, well-organized side. Recent rounds saw them defeat Ghazl El-Mahalla (3-2) and Ittihad (3-1), though a loss to Al Masry (2-3) highlighted some vulnerabilities at the back.
The visitors have been consistently finding the net: a streak of 10 straight league games with at least one goal, and five consecutive matches with two or more. Away from home, Ceramica have won three of their last six, but history shows they often struggle against Zamalek – losing four of their last five visits.
Probable line-ups
- Zamalek: Awad M., Gaber O., El Wensh Mahmoud, Fouad H., Esho A., Gehad M., Farouk Gaafar S., Juan Alvina, Kaied A., Sherif A., Nasser A.
- Ceramica Cleopatra: Bassam M.; Hany A.; Samir C.; Arthur J.; El Debes K.; El-Sulaya A.; Lakay F.; Belhadji A.; Awujoola S.; Kouablan F. M.; Issa I.
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the first round, Zamalek defeated Ceramica Cleopatra 2-0 away
- Zamalek have beaten their rivals in 11 of the last 13 matches, never losing
- In five of the last six head-to-head meetings, the "Both Teams to Score" bet has come in
Prediction
Zamalek are slight favorites according to the bookmakers, largely because the hosts have been playing through a busy fixture list, while Ceramica last played in early February. For example, Zamalek have already played three matches since then. Here, it makes sense to play it safe and back "Zamalek to win with a (0) handicap" at odds of 1.69.
