Egypt Cup

Egypt Cup

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Wikipedia - Egypt Cup

The Egypt Cup (also known as the Egyptian FA Cup and formerly as the King Farouk Cup) is the main knockout football cup competition in Egypt. It is the oldest club competition in Africa. The first team to win the trophy was Zamalek in 1922.

History

The Egypt Cup is the oldest tournament in the history of Egyptian football that is still being held to-date, and it is the first competition to be organized by the Egyptian Football Association. However, it is not the first football tournament to be held in the country. The first local football tournament in Egypt was the Sultan Hussein Cup.

Prince Farouk handing the cup to Zamalek, 4 August 1932
King Farouk I presenting the King's cup to the Captain of Zamalek after defeating Al Ahly 6-0 in the final match, 2 June 1944

It was launched in 1917, and its last edition was held in the 1937-38 season. The Sultan Hussein Cup witnessed the participation of Egyptian clubs with clubs belonging to the British army, which was present in Egypt at the time. With the establishment of the Egyptian Football Association in 1921, the need arose to launch a tournament with only Egyptian clubs participating, and from this time the Egypt Cup tournament emerged with the participation of Zamalek, Al Ahly, Tersana, Olympic, Schools team, Railway, Al-Abbasiya, Al Ittihad, Al-Haditha, and the Nile.

Zamalek achieved the title of the first edition of the Egypt Cup, after defeating Al Ittihad; 5-0 in the 1921-22 season's final match. The biggest win in the 1944 final match between the Cairo giants; Zamalek and Al Ahly with a 6-0 win for Zamalek. This was the second Cairo Derby in two years to end with a 6-0 win for Zamalek after the 1941–42 Cairo League match.

Hassan Shehata celebrating the 1979 trophy

Despite its launch more than 100 years ago, the Egypt Cup Championship has witnessed the holding of 90 editions so far, and has been canceled on more than one occasion. The tournament was canceled in the 1942-43 season, after players from Zamalek and Al-Ahly (the final belligerents) were suspended after their travel to Palestine, and opposition to the Football Association’s decision in this regard. The tournament was not played between 1967 and 1971 due to the War of Attrition, and it was canceled in the 1973-74 season due to the October War. For several other reasons, the tournament was canceled in 1979-80, 1986-87 and 1993-94 seasons, and was canceled in the 1981-82 edition due to Zamalek’s withdrawal. The cup was also canceled in the 2011-12 season after the Port Said Stadium riot in the league match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly.

The Egypt Cup is a highly anticipated soccer tournament held annually in Egypt. It is one of the most prestigious and popular sporting events in the country, attracting thousands of passionate fans from all over Egypt and beyond.

The tournament features teams from various divisions and leagues across Egypt, including the top-tier Egyptian Premier League teams, as well as lower division and amateur teams. This inclusive format allows for a diverse range of talent to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted Egypt Cup trophy.

The Egypt Cup is known for its intense and thrilling matches, with teams battling it out on the field to secure their place in the next round. The tournament follows a knockout format, where teams face off in single-elimination matches, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to each game.

Matches are held in various stadiums across Egypt, providing an opportunity for fans to travel and support their favorite teams in different cities. The atmosphere in the stadiums is electric, with passionate fans chanting, waving flags, and creating an incredible ambiance that adds to the overall experience of the tournament.

The Egypt Cup not only showcases the talent and skills of the players but also serves as a platform for young and emerging talents to make a name for themselves. It is not uncommon for lesser-known teams to cause upsets and defeat more established clubs, making the tournament even more thrilling and unpredictable.

The tournament culminates in a highly anticipated final match, where the two best teams battle it out for the ultimate glory of lifting the Egypt Cup trophy. This final showdown is a spectacle in itself, attracting a massive audience both in the stadium and through television broadcasts.

The Egypt Cup is not just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of the sport, culture, and national pride. It brings people together, unites communities, and creates lasting memories for players and fans alike. Whether you are a die-hard soccer enthusiast or simply a lover of sports, the Egypt Cup is an event that should not be missed.