Match preview — Nile Cup drama at Arab Contractors Stadium
Ceramica Cleopatra welcome Abu Qir Semad to the Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo on 23/12/2025 for a 16th Finals clash in the Egypt Cup. The fixture promises a contrast in recent momentum: Ceramica Cleopatra arrive on the back of a striking run of results in domestic competition, while Abu Qir Semad have shown flashes of cup resilience but a more inconsistent league profile. The venue — capacity 20,000 — sets the stage for a lively local atmosphere and a tilt toward the home side’s confidence.
Form and recent evidence
Ceramica Cleopatra’s recent record reads like a side hitting full stride. Their last five results include a string of victories and a notable 2-0 away success over Pharco on 22 November 2025, where Hussein El Sayed earned praise as the match’s standout performer with an 8.26 rating. Prior wins over Pyramids FC and Petrojet underline that this Cleopatra team can compete with the higher echelons of Egyptian football when in form. Their summarized form of seven wins, one draw and two defeats in the last ten is persuasive and speaks to consistency and momentum heading into this knockout tie.
Abu Qir Semad are less predictable. Their cup record includes a goalless 0-0 outcome in the most recent Egypt Cup tie (Alaab Damanhour 0 - Abu Qir Semad 0), and earlier results show both capable attacking displays and narrow defeats against stronger opposition like Zamalek. Team statistics provided for Abu Qir indicate that in the sample available they have a 50% BTTS rate both home and away and an over-2.5 goals percentage listed at 100% — figures that suggest their matches can produce goals, but the sample is limited and should be treated with caution.
Tactical considerations and edges
Ceramica’s edge is form and recent experience in tight matches; their ability to grind out 2-1 results and secure clean sheets in key moments makes them the favorites on paper. Abu Qir’s tendency to be involved in open games could make this cup encounter lively, especially if they approach it without the defensive rigidity required to stifle Ceramica’s rhythm. With Ceramica coming off convincing cup and league victories and Abu Qir’s most recent cup game ending 0-0, the clash has the potential to be competitive but tilted toward the home side’s stability.
Before committing to markets, consider sharpening your approach with established guidance on market selection — useful reading includes Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets — and remember that discipline matters; techniques for maintaining composure are always valuable, especially in knockout fixtures: How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion Based on form, location and recent performances, the most straightforward market to consider is 1X2: back Ceramica Cleopatra to win. Their superior recent run, recent clean-sheet tendencies in cup and league outings, and a stronger string of results make them the most likely side to progress. Stake responsibly and consider complementing this with bankroll and market selection strategies before placing your wager.
