Al Ahly denied Champions League for the first time in 23 years

20.05.26 FT Premier League Egypt

Al Masry SC

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Al Ahly SC

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It’s a true earthquake in Egyptian football. Al Ahly has failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2003.

The Red Devils finished the 2025-2026 season in third place with 53 points, trailing Zamalek (56 pts) and Pyramids (54 pts). All three teams won their matches on the final day.

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Despite their away win in Port Said against Al Masry (0-2), the Cairo giants couldn’t clinch the crucial second place, which grants a ticket to the continent’s most prestigious club competition.

With 12 Champions League titles (1982, 1987, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), the record holders must now settle for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.

This marks one of the club’s worst seasons, despite heavy spending in the transfer window ahead of the Club World Cup.

Zamalek, crowned champions for the 15th time, and runners-up Pyramids will represent Egypt in next season’s Champions League.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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Premier League Egypt