Al Masry vs Smouha: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Egyptian League Cup 2026

Al Masry vs Smouha — Match Preview

Group stage action heats up at the Borg El Arab Stadium on Monday, 5 January 2026, as group leaders Al Masry take on Smouha. The Green Eagles are flying high, sitting top of the table with 7 points from 3 matches and riding a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their recent 1–0 win over Haras El Hodood showcased their defensive solidity. On the other hand, Smouha find themselves in 4th place with 5 points, struggling for consistency. After a disappointing 2–2 draw with lower-tier Kahrabaa Ismailia, the Alexandria-based side needs a positive result to stay in contention for the knockout stages.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Match Info

• Competition: Egyptian League Cup (Group Stage)
• Venue: Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria (Capacity: 86,000)
• Date: Monday, 5 January 2026
• Kickoff: 20:00 EET (Cairo) | 18:00 GMT
• Referee: TBC (EFA Appointment)

Al Masry vs Smouha — Match Stakes

Al Masry (1st — 7 pts):

• Win → Moves to 10 pts; all but secures qualification to the quarter-finals as group winners.
• Draw → Maintains the unbeaten run and keeps them at the summit of the group.
• Loss → Blows the group wide open; allows chasing teams (like Smouha) to close the gap to just 1 point.

Smouha (4th — 5 pts):

• Win → Moves to 8 pts; leapfrogs Al Masry and massively boosts qualification hopes.
• Draw → Keeps them in the hunt but relying on other results; extends unbeaten run to 3 games.
• Loss → Likely drops them out of the qualification spots; heaps pressure on manager Ahmed Samy.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Team News

Al Masry:

• Mohsen S. — Available (Key Goal Threat – In excellent form).
• El Mohamady B. — Available (Captain & Defensive Leader).
• Hamada M. — Available (Midfield engine).
• Rotation: Manager Ali Maher may rotate slightly given the tight schedule, but will likely keep a strong spine to secure qualification.

Smouha:

• Hassan H. — Available (Striker & Captain).
• Soliman E. — Available (Veteran Goalkeeper – expected to be busy).
• Dodo D. — Available (Midfield anchor).
• Defensive Worries: Conceding 2 goals against Kahrabaa Ismailia will force changes in the backline; defensive organization is the main concern.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Al Masry

• 25/12 — 1–0 vs Haras El Hodood (League Cup)
• 22/12 — 4–2 vs Dekernes (Cup)
• 19/12 — 1–0 vs ZED (League Cup)
• 11/12 — 0–0 vs Al Ittihad (League Cup)
• 28/11 — 3–2 vs ZESCO United (Confederation Cup)

Smouha

• 30/12 — 2–2 vs Kahrabaa Ismailia (League Cup)
• 25/12 — 1–0 vs Zamalek (Cup)
• 20/12 — 0–0 vs Al Ittihad (League Cup)
• 10/12 — 0–1 vs ZED (League Cup)
• 27/11 — 3–1 vs Ghazl El Mahallah (Cup)

Al Masry vs Smouha — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

• 22/10/2025 — Al Masry 0–0 Smouha (Premier League)
• 27/02/2025 — Smouha 0–3 Al Masry (Premier League)
• 01/08/2024 — Smouha 1–0 Al Masry (Premier League)
• 05/03/2024 — Al Masry 2–0 Smouha (Premier League)
• 15/07/2023 — Al Masry 0–1 Smouha (Premier League)

Al Masry vs Smouha — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Al Masry (4-2-3-1)

Gad; El Eraki, El Mohamady, Mansour, El Saadawy; Hamada, Bajunaid; Grendo, Deghmoum, El Shami; Mohsen

Smouha (4-3-3)

Soliman; Reda, Hakam, Justice, El Maghraby; Dodo, Halimo, Mostafa; Hassan, Boateng, El Wady

Al Masry vs Smouha — Impact Bench

Al Masry: Etouga (Goal threat), Gaber (Winger)

Smouha: Ajayi (Experience), Farid (Late goal option)

Al Masry vs Smouha — Tactical Analysis

Al Masry

Ali Maher’s side is disciplined and efficient. They have conceded only 2 goals in the group stage. They will look to control the midfield through Mahmoud Hamada and unleash Salah Mohsen on the counter-attack. Against a Smouha side that leaks goals, Masry’s direct vertical play will be dangerous.

Smouha

Smouha struggle against organized defenses. Their 2–2 draw last week highlighted their vulnerability to set-pieces and quick transitions. To win, they need veteran goalkeeper El Hany Soliman to have a big game and for Hossam Hassan to convert the few chances they create. Expect them to sit deep and try to frustrate Al Masry.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Key Battles

• Mohsen vs Hakam — In-form striker vs Smouha’s center-back.
• Hamada vs Dodo — Battle for midfield supremacy.
• Deghmoum vs Reda — Creative winger vs attacking fullback.
• Gad vs Hassan — Masry GK vs Smouha’s main threat.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Spotlight Players

Al Masry — Salah Mohsen

The forward has found his feet again and is crucial to Al Masry’s attack. His pace and finishing ability make him the favorite to open the scoring.

Smouha — El Hany Soliman

The veteran shot-stopper is a master of time-wasting and penalty saving. In a tight cup game, his experience could be the only thing keeping Smouha in the match.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Prediction

Al Masry 2–0 Smouha

Al Masry are simply in better form and have more quality in the final third. Smouha’s recent stumble against a lower-league side suggests they are not at the level required to beat the group leaders. Expect a comfortable win for the Port Said giants.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Betting Insights

• Al Masry to Win — High Probability.
• Under 2.5 Goals — Possible (History of low-scoring H2H).
• Both Teams to Score — NO.

Al Masry vs Smouha — Where to Watch

• Egypt: OnTime Sports 1
• International: YouTube (Kora Plus)

Al Masry vs Smouha — FAQs

Q: When is the Al Masry vs Smouha match?

A: The match kicks off on Monday, 5 January 2026, at 20:00 Cairo time.

Q: Who is top of the group?

A: Al Masry are currently 1st with 7 points.

Q: Where is the match being played?

A: Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

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