The excitement rekindles with every clash between Al Ahly and Zamalek, as the two teams meet tonight at 8 PM at Cairo International Stadium for the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League. The thrill of these derby matches goes beyond just goals and results; it extends to the famous comments made by sports commentators, which have over time become phrases etched in the memories of Egyptian and Arab fans.
From "the decisive moment" to "Bibo and Bashir," historic moments in the matches between the two giants are linked with enthusiastic and humorous phrases that continue to resonate among Al Ahly and Zamalek fans whenever the rivalry reignites.
Mimy Al Sharabini.. The Voice Associated with Derby Memories
The late commentator Mimy Al Sharabini holds a special place among Egyptian football fans, thanks to his distinctive style and famous introductions that welcomed viewers before the matches began.
One of his most notable phrases is: "Ladies and gentlemen, best wishes from Cairo Stadium where we meet together on the small screen," an introduction that has become associated with the memories of generations of followers of Al Ahly and Zamalek matches.
Al Sharabini was also known for his passionate commentary and unique descriptions of player performances, with unforgettable phrases like "born in the penalty area," along with his expressions that added a special touch to goals and critical moments.
"The decisive moment"… A Commentary That Stays in Fans' Memories
The phrase "the decisive moment" is among the most famous expressions linked to Al Ahly and Zamalek matches, first uttered by Tunisian commentator Issam Jallali during the CAF Champions League final in 2020, when Mohamed Magdy Afsha scored the winning goal for Al Ahly in the dying moments.
The phrase quickly transformed into one of the most famous lines in the history of encounters between the two teams, becoming a staple in fan discussions, especially when reminiscing about the historic "Final of the Century," which ended with Al Ahly lifting the African title.
Medhat Shalaby.. The King of Catchphrases in Derby Matches
Commentator Medhat Shalaby is famous for his unique style in describing goals and skills, successfully turning many of his comments into catchphrases widely circulated among Al Ahly and Zamalek supporters.
One of his most famous phrases is "Ivouna among three," referring to Gabonese striker Malick Evouna's goal against Zamalek, followed by a lyrical description of the goal that garnered significant reactions from Al Ahly fans.
He is also associated with the commentary "Oh night, oh blue night," used during a moment when Zamalek appeared in their blue kit, in addition to the phrase "Ma'loul put the zaghlool," which he exclaimed after Ali Ma'loul scored against the white team.
"Bibo and Bashir"… The Memory of Al Ahly's Historic Six
The phrase "Bibo and Bashir.. Bibo and the goal" remains one of the most famous comments linked to the history of derby matches, first said by Medhat Shalaby during the Al Ahly and Zamalek match that ended with a 6-1 victory for the Reds in 2002.
The phrase came as Khaled Bibo shone against Zamalek defender Bashir Al Tabbai, in a match where Al Ahly delivered an exceptional attacking performance, making the line one of the most prominent memories associated with that historic encounter.
"Oh Abdullah, my brother, Samah"… Shalaby Incorporates Songs
Medhat Shalaby's comments were not limited to traditional sports descriptions; he often incorporated snippets from popular and classic songs during critical moments.
One of these phrases is "Oh Abdullah, my brother, Samah," which he said following Abdullah Al Sayed's goal against Zamalek during the Egyptian Super Cup in 2015, inspired by the famous song by the late artist Mohamed Rushdi.
Shalaby also used other lyrical phrases, including "In good and bad, weren't we promised," when Moamen Zakaria scored for Al Ahly, referencing his previous stint with Zamalek before joining the Reds.
"Wrap it up, it's a cake" and "Between my closeness and my fear for you"
Among the comments still stuck in the minds of Egyptian football fans is "Wrap it up, it's a cake," which Medhat Shalaby exclaimed while describing one of Ayman Hefny's touches during a match against Al Ahly.
He also became known for his commentary on Moamen Zakaria's dribble past Zamalek's player Ma'ruf Youssef with the phrase "Between my closeness to you and my fear for you.. please, Ma'ruf, close your legs," a moment that became widely shared among fans of both teams.
Mahmoud Bakr.. An Unforgettable Wit
The late commentator Mahmoud Bakr had a distinctive style that combined football analysis with humor, leaving behind a collection of phrases that remain in the memories of sports commentary enthusiasts.
Among his most famous lines is "the one just coming from the balcony with a cigarette in hand," along with his spontaneous remarks that added a fun atmosphere to the matches, giving his commentary a unique character compared to other commentators.
Ayman Al Kashif and Ali Zewar.. Unique Imprints in Commentary
Ayman Al Kashif is associated with the phrase "The Master of Suspense," which he used to describe thrilling moments and last-minute goals, becoming one of the lines that the audience recalls when discussing crucial matches, as well as his famous commentary "The Furniture Dealer" on Hussein El Shahat's goal against Zamalek.
Meanwhile, commentator Ali Zewar became known for several expressions that reflected his cheerful personality, including "What sweetness is this" and "Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy," phrases that added a special flavor to commentary on Egyptian football matches.
Derby Comments.. A Part of Egyptian Football History
The famous phrases of commentators during Al Ahly and Zamalek matches have become part of the memory of the rivalry between the two giants, with each line linked to a goal, match, or exceptional moment that is hard to forget.
With every new derby, these catchphrases resurface, confirming that the thrill of the derby is not solely created by the results, but also shaped by the commentators who have succeeded in turning fleeting football moments into lasting memories with their voices and words.
