The postponed 2019-20 Egypt Cup returned to action on Saturday and Al Ahly set up a matchup against rivals Zamalek in the final with a 2-0 victory over second tier side Petrojet. Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” opened the scoring early on and Mohamed Abdelmonem put the match away in the second half on the debut of manager Ricardo Soares. Ahly and Zamalek will meet in the final later this month on July 21.
Soares took no chances against the second division side, picking a starting lineup that featured plenty of starters against a Petrojet team eager to provide resistance. A strong start took the pressure off the heavy favorites when Ahly struck first in the 8th minute. Left back Ali Maâloul picked out the run of Afsha with a lofted ball and the playmaker had plenty of time to take it down and cut inside on his right foot before firing past Petrojet goalkeeper Mohamed Elnaga.
Petrojet found their way into the game a bit and should have leveled the match before halftime after forward Nader Hesham was taken down just inside the penalty area for a penalty kick. Mustafa Jaber’s spot kick was well read by Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy and the Egypt national team starter pushed the ball away.
That was as close as Petrojet got to being in the match as Ahly dominated possession and finished the match off in the 72nd minute. Maâloul sent in a curling corner kick to find Abdelmonem at the near post for a placed header that left Elnaga with no chance. The debut of Soares ended in success and now he and his side will turn their attention back to Egyptian Premier League play on Tuesday at El Gouna.
Below is video of both goals.
