Egypt Cup: A Comprehensive History of Egypt's Oldest Football Tournament
The Egypt Cup stands as the oldest football tournament in Egypt that continues to be played today. As the first competition organized by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), it represents the pinnacle of domestic knockout football in the country. While it is the most enduring competition, it was not the first tournament ever held on Egyptian soil.
Before the Egypt Cup, the Sultan Hussein Cup served as the primary local competition. Launched in 1917 and concluding in the 1937–38 season, the Sultan Hussein Cup was unique for featuring matches between Egyptian clubs and teams from the British army stationed in Egypt. However, with the formal establishment of the Egyptian Football Association in 1921, there was a growing demand for a tournament exclusively for Egyptian clubs. This led to the birth of the Egypt Cup.
The inaugural tournament featured a diverse array of early pioneers, including Zamalek, Al Ahly, Tersana, Olympic, the Schools team, Railway, Al-Abbasiya, Al Ittihad, Al-Haditha, and the Nile.
Key Facts
- Oldest Active Tournament: The Egypt Cup is the longest-running football competition in Egypt.
- First Winner: Zamalek won the inaugural edition in 1922 by defeating Al Ittihad 5–0.
- Founding Body: Organized by the Egyptian Football Association, established in 1921.
- Historical Predecessor: The Sultan Hussein Cup (1917–1938) preceded it.
- Total Editions: 90 editions have been held to date.
The Evolution of the Cairo Derby in the Cup
The rivalry between Zamalek and Al Ahly, known as the Cairo derby, has defined much of the tournament's history. The two giants first met in a final during the 1928 edition, which Al Ahly won 1–0 thanks to a goal by Mamdouh Sakr. Al Ahly followed this with a 4–1 victory in the 1930–31 final.
Zamalek responded in the 1932 final with a 2–1 win, featuring goals from Ismail Raafat and Said El-Hadary, while Amin Shoeir scored for Al Ahly. Zamalek continued their success in the 1934–35 edition, winning 3–0 on May 10, 1935, with goals from Helmy Zamora, El-Samkary, and Marei.
Record-Breaking Victories
One of the most significant results in the tournament's history occurred in the 1944 final. Zamalek secured a massive 6–0 victory over Al Ahly, with Zoklot scoring a hat-trick, Mohsen El-Sehaimi netting twice, and Abdel-Karim Sakr adding one. This mirrored a similar 6–0 result from a 1941–42 Cairo League match.
Eras of Dominance
Following their 1944 triumph, Al Ahly entered a period of success, winning three consecutive titles from 1945 to 1947, though they did not face Zamalek in those specific finals.
The 1950s and early 1960s belonged to Zamalek. Between 1952 and 1962, they claimed seven titles. This included a remarkable run of four consecutive wins from 1957 to 1960, with the 1958 title being shared with Al Ahly. While Al Ahly won the 1961 title by defeating El Qanah 5–0, Zamalek reclaimed the trophy in 1962 by beating Al Ittihad 5–1.
From 1962 to 1976, the dominance of the Cairo giants waned as clubs like El Qanah, Tersana, and Al Ittihad rose to prominence. Zamalek eventually returned to form with titles in 1975, 1977, and 1979, while Al Ahly won the 1978 final. Al Ahly then dominated the early 1980s, winning in 1981, 1983, 1984, and 1985. Tersana secured their sixth title in 1986, and Zamalek won their 18th title in 1988.
Expanding the Circle of Champions
The 1990s saw a return of the Cairo derby in the final in 1992, where Al Ahly won 2–1. However, the decade also introduced new champions to the podium. Ismaily won their first title in 1997 by defeating Al Ahly 1–0, and Al Masry claimed the 1998 trophy after beating Al Mokawloon.
| Era/Year | Key Event/Winner | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | Zamalek | First-ever Egypt Cup winner |
| 1928 | Al Ahly | First Cairo derby final |
| 1944 | Zamalek | Biggest win in a final (6–0 vs Al Ahly) |
| 1957–1960 | Zamalek | Four consecutive titles |
| 1997 | Ismaily | First title for Ismaily |
| 1998 | Al Masry | First title for Al Masry |
Cancellations and Interruptions
Despite its long history, the Egypt Cup has been canceled several times due to political, military, and administrative conflicts. The 1942–43 season was canceled after players from Zamalek and Al Ahly were suspended for traveling to Palestine in opposition to the Football Association.
National conflicts also played a role: the tournament was suspended between 1967 and 1971 due to the War of Attrition and again in 1973–74 because of the October War. Other cancellations occurred in 1979–80, 1986–87, and 1993–94. A dispute between Zamalek and the Football Association led to the cancellation of the 1981–82 edition.
Most recently, the 2011–12 season was canceled following the Port Said Stadium riot during a league match between Al-Masry and Al Ahly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team won the first Egypt Cup?
Zamalek won the first edition of the Egypt Cup in 1922, defeating Al Ittihad with a score of 5–0.
What was the Sultan Hussein Cup?
The Sultan Hussein Cup was the first local football tournament in Egypt, running from 1917 to the 1937–38 season. Unlike the Egypt Cup, it included teams from the British army.
What is the biggest margin of victory in a Cairo derby final?
The biggest win in a final between the Cairo giants occurred in 1944, when Zamalek defeated Al Ahly 6–0.
Why was the tournament canceled between 1967 and 1971?
The tournament was not played during this period due to the War of Attrition.
How many editions of the Egypt Cup have been held?
To date, there have been 90 editions of the tournament.