The Egyptian Women’s Premier League is experiencing a renaissance, shaking off the long-held dominance of Wadi Degla, winner of 14 out of the last 16 titles. The league has expanded from 11 teams in 2021/22 to 17 in the current 2024/25 season, ushering in a new era of competitiveness. A notable newcomer, Al Ahly, backed by the substantial resources of Egypt’s most decorated men’s club, currently leads the standings with 33 points from 12 matches, having suffered just one defeat. However, that single loss, inflicted by defending champions FC Masar, leaves the door open for a dramatic shift in the title race should Masar capitalize on their games in hand.
FC Masar’s emergence as a title contender is a story of rapid transformation. Originally founded as Tutankhamun FC in 2019, the club remained relatively unknown until its acquisition in 2022 by the Right to Dream (RtD) group, recently taken over by Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour. RtD, renowned for its academy-centric approach to player development, which has produced remarkable results in its Ghana academy and Danish club FC Nordsjælland, aims to replicate this model in Egypt. This strategy entails not only the club acquisition but also the establishment of a residential academy near Cairo, fostering long-term player development, although the immediate impact at FC Masar has stemmed from a different approach.
FC Masar’s rapid ascent to the top of Egyptian women’s football is a testament to its strategic approach and investment. Upon acquiring the then second-tier Tutankhamun FC, RtD was presented with an unexpected opportunity – a spot in the Premier League due to another club’s withdrawal. Capitalizing on this chance, they implemented a professional structure within a predominantly amateur environment, offering professional contracts to all players, a first in the women’s league. This move spearheaded a significant overhaul of both playing and coaching staff. While the team initially took time to gel, finishing sixth in their first season, they showcased their potential by securing the cup trophy.
The following season, FC Masar’s investment and restructuring bore fruit. The team, still competing under the name TUT FC, dominated the league, achieving an unbeaten season and capturing both the league and cup titles. This success paved the way for qualification to the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers. Despite falling short in the final against Moroccan powerhouse AS FAR, they earned a place in the main tournament as Morocco was selected as the host nation. This marked a pivotal moment in their journey, catapulting them onto the continental stage and further solidifying their commitment to professionalizing women’s football in Egypt.
Rebranded as FC Masar, meaning “pathways” in Arabic, the club embarked on their Champions League campaign with a bolstered squad, featuring high-profile signings like Egyptian international Mahira Ali, Tanzanian prospect Hasnath Ubamba, and Ugandan defenders Aisha Nantongo and Shadia Nankya. They announced their arrival on the African stage with a stunning victory over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening match. Amassing four points from their remaining group games secured a semi-final berth, although a narrow defeat to AS FAR once again halted their title aspirations. However, a penalty shootout win against Edo Queens secured a commendable third-place finish, further elevating their profile.
FC Masar’s Champions League performance exceeded expectations and resonated globally, attracting interest from clubs in the NWSL and top European leagues for several of their players. This newfound attention validates their player development model and underscores their potential as a springboard for African talent seeking opportunities in top-tier women’s soccer. A successful transfer to a major league would set a precedent and further enhance FC Masar’s reputation, creating a virtuous cycle attracting more talented African players to the club and facilitating their progression to the highest levels of the game, fulfilling the club’s vision of creating pathways for aspiring female footballers. Their success also signals a shifting landscape in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League, promising a more competitive and dynamic future for the sport.
