The Egyptian Premier League title race is at a point of peak suspense as traditional Cairo-based rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek remained tied on points at the top following routine victories on Saturday. With only six games left to play, both teams have 64 points with Ahly leading by virtue of having the better head-to-head record this season which may end up being the determining factor in who ends up being the league champion.
Ahly won their match 4-0 over Ceramica Cleopatra as the visitors came out intending to try and match Ahly’s attack, but an early set piece goal from Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim followed by a straight red card to Ceramica’s Mohamed Amer eliminated any hopes of an upset on the day. Ibrahim was on hand to pounce from a goalmouth scramble in the 5th minute when Ceramica Cleopatra failed to clear out a corner kick. Mohamed Sherif made it 17 goals in 28 league appearances after the league’s leading scorer converted a penalty kick soon after halftime. An own goal in the 72nd minute and then a beautiful curling striker from Mohamed Magdi Afsha completed the demolition for Ahly.
While rivals Ahly were making up matches during the league’s break for Egypt’s participation in the Olympic men’s football tournament, Zamalek finally got back to action after over a month without action on Saturday by rolling to an easy 3-0 win against Ghazl El Mahallah. Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, Seifeddine Jaziri and Achraf Bencharki all scored in the first half to keep Patrice Carteron’s side from showing any signs of rustiness from the time off.
Video of the goals from both games are below.
Al Ahly 4-0 Ceramica Cleopatra
Zamalek 3-0 Ghazl El Mahallah
