Zamalek vs Ceramica Cleopatra Prediction: 17.02.2026 Egypt Cup Quarterfinals

As the Egypt Cup 2025/26 Quarterfinals heat up, Zamalek and Ceramica Cleopatra are set to go head-to-head at Cairo International Stadium in a clash laden with both recent history and competitive edge. One can’t overlook the mounting anticipation in the capital — not just for a cup progression, but for bragging rights in a campaign where both sides have displayed contrasting fortunes lately. While Zamalek are entering with authority and form, Ceramica Cleopatra arrive eager to overturn the odds and etch a statement victory against one of Egyptian football’s traditional heavyweights.

Amongst a slew of talented athletes, keep an eye on Zamalek’s forward Oday Dabagh, whose sharpness in front of goal has proven pivotal time and again, and Ceramica Cleopatra’s Fagrie Lakay, a versatile attacker who has generated crucial breakthroughs in tightly contested matches. While the goalkeepers always play a vital role — and Mohamed Sobhi for Zamalek and Mohamed Bassam for Ceramica Cleopatra are both solid in recent showings — it’s likely the creative sparks from these two will shape the tie.

What’s the notable statistic heading into this encounter? Zamalek comes in averaging over 14 shots per match in their last five games, almost doubling their opponent’s tally — a striking indication of their relentless attacking approach.

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Zamalek vs Ceramica Cleopatra prediction

Given Zamalek’s consistency (winning 6 of their last 8) and offensive impetus, the home side appear the sounder pick. Their high press and wide use of attacking channels allow them to pin opponents deep and generate volume shooting opportunities — a dynamic reflected in their impressive shot and goal counts. Ceramica Cleopatra, although plucky, have struggled for defensive discipline against top opposition, conceding in key moments due to lapses in central coverage and when overcommitting forwards.

Style-wise, both teams favour a 4-3-3 setup, but Zamalek’s tilt towards possession (averaging over 400 passes per game and 84 percent pass accuracy in their last five) signals a controlling approach, whereas Ceramica Cleopatra rely more on transition play and directness. The foul tally is noteworthy — Zamalek have conceded 63 fouls across five matches, compared to Ceramica Cleopatra’s relatively restrained 41; this hints at a willingness by Zamalek to disrupt opposition rhythm, but also could lead to vulnerability via set pieces.
Yellow cards tell another story — Zamalek’s 15 cautions in five matches is double their opponent’s total, suggesting they teeter on the edge defensively when faced with pressure or counters.

Team Analysis

Zamalek come into this contest off the back of a gritty 2-1 win against Kaizer Chiefs, one which perfectly showcased their resilience under pressure. Despite falling behind in possession early, their adaptability shone through — Oday Dabagh’s clever movement dragged defenders out of shape and Nasser Mansi’s incisive runs led to decisive goals. Recent history also includes a convincing win over Smouha (1-0) and a goal fest versus Kahraba Ismailia (5-2), underlining not just the firepower up front but also concerns at the back after a 0-1 stumble against ZESCO. Their mix of dynamism and, at times, defensive gaps keeps every Zamalek match lively and unpredictable — just what neutral fans crave!

Ceramica Cleopatra managed to edge Ghazl El Mahallah 3-2 in their last outing, proving their capability to capitalise on chances during transitions. Still, their defensive vulnerability was again on display, conceding twice from balls played in behind. In contrast, the 2-3 defeat to Al Masry highlighted their inability to close out matches under pressure, while the narrow but morale-lifting win over Al Ittihad (3-1) was driven by Lakay’s versatility and Amr Al Sulaya’s composure in midfield. Recent losses to Arab Contractors and Ghazl El Mahallah, however, have kept question marks over their consistency and reliability defensively, especially when forced to chase games.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Zamalek vs Ceramica Cleopatra stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Zamalek the favourite

• Moneyline Zamalek 2.18-2.14 | Ceramica Cleopatra 3.30-3.40
• Draw 2.96-2.98
• Over/Under Over 2.5 approx. 1.90 | Under 2.5 approx. 1.85
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.72 | No 2.05

With Zamalek’s win probability pegged at 42 percent by the market and their home advantage at one of African football’s iconic grounds, it’s hard to look past them as the value pick. The odds reflect Ceramica Cleopatra’s capacity to spring a surprise — especially given their knack for scoring against superior sides — but defensive frailty has held them back. With both sides in goal-scoring form, odds on over 2.5 and BTTS also merit serious attention.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Zamalek possible starting eleven

Zamalek’s most consistent performers in recent games suggest a return to their preferred back four of Abdelmaguid, Ismail, Gaber, and El Wensh — experience and aerial strength abound here. In midfield, Shehata, Hamdi, and veteran El-Said provide the necessary blend of control and creative spark, while up front, Mansi and Sherif are joined by the prolific and ever-dangerous Dabagh. The formation is likely a 4-3-3, with Dabagh the main target for balls into the box and Mansi offering clever movement on the flank. Look for El-Said to be instrumental, pulling strings and feeding the attack.

Ceramica Cleopatra possible starting eleven

Ceramica Cleopatra also look set to stick with their trusted 4-3-3 shape. Samir and Hany are pivotal for composure at the back, while the midfield engine should see Al Sulaya’s steady ball progression, Issa’s knack for assists, and Belhadji’s creative link-up. Up top, Lakay and Abdallah have both notched multiple goals lately, with Ougola’s work off the ball creating space. Lakay, in particular, holds the keys for any potential away upset — his recent form has been a bright spot for Ali Maher’s side.

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My take on the Match

Looking at the patterns we’ve seen — the tactical control of Zamalek, their home dominance, and the contrasting volatility of Ceramica Cleopatra — a match full of flair, drama, and, we suspect, goals, awaits us in Cairo. My main pick is Zamalek to win in regular time, with both teams likely to get on the scoresheet. The hosts’ strength in midfield and a sharper edge up front simply tip the scales. Yet, don’t discount Ceramica Cleopatra’s ability to strike against the run of play; their pace up front asks a question of any defence, so this could be far from a routine victory! As the Egypt Cup journey unfolds, both sets of supporters will feel there’s everything to play for — but Zamalek’s record in pressure moments, especially at home, remains compelling.

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