- Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng’ eyes first title with Zamalek who will be fighting for the Egyptian Super Cup 2025.
- They will face archrivals Al Ahly in the finale taking place in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at 1830EAT.
- Zamalek booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought victory over Pyramids FC.
Harambee Stars defender Baron Ochieng’ is on the brink of achieving a major career milestone as he prepares to contest his first-ever title with Egyptian giants Zamalek SC.
The Kenyan international, who joined the White Knights a few months ago from SportPesa League side Sofapaka, will be hoping to feature in the Egyptian Super Cup Final against arch-rivals Al Ahly this Sunday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Zamalek booked their spot in the final after a hard-fought victory over Pyramids FC on Thursday night, prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
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Zamalek oust African champions Pyramids
The match, played at the Al Nahyan Stadium, was a tense affair characterized by few clear-cut chances but plenty of determination on both ends.
Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri emerged as the hero of the night, coming off the bench to score the decisive penalty that sealed Zamalek’s passage to the final.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Awad also played a crucial role, saving a key penalty from Pyramids’ forward Mostafa Ziko, which ultimately made the difference.
Pyramids FC, who came into the contest as the reigning CAF Champions League winners ,were left frustrated after failing to capitalize on several promising chances.
Their Brazilian forward Ewerton missed a golden opportunity late in the game, blasting his effort over the bar from close range, a miss that proved costly in the end.
In the other semi-final, Al Ahly edged out Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1, with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Njec Gradishar finding the back of the net for the record champions.
Despite a spirited effort from Ceramica, Ahly’s experience and composure carried them through, setting up a mouthwatering Cairo Derby final against Zamalek.
For Ochieng’, this final represents more than just another match as it marks a chance to make history.
Baron Ochieng’ eyes first title with Zamalek
Since joining Zamalek, the Kenya U20 assistant captain is yet to make his league debut but featured for the club in the CAF Confederations Cup Preliminary round, his first CAF club appearance.
A victory on Sunday would not only hand Zamalek their first Super Cup title in four years but would also see Ochieng’ become one of the few Kenyan players to lift a major trophy on Egyptian soil.
As the football world turns its eyes to Abu Dhabi, all signs point to an explosive encounter between two of Africa’s most successful clubs.
With national pride and personal glory on the line, Ochieng’ will be hoping to get some minutes in the game and play a pivotal role in Zamalek’s quest to dethrone their rivals and reclaim domestic supremacy.
The last time Zamalek won the Egyptian Super Cup was in 2020. Al Ahly have lifted the last four titles.
