Al Ahly have struck first blood against Zamalek in the 2022-23 season after defeating their rivals 1-0 in the 2022 Egyptian Super Cup on Friday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Offseason signing Bruno Sávio picked the perfect time to score his first competitive goal for Ahly with the Brazilian striking in the first half. Karim Fouad completed the victory for Ahly late on with an easy finish to send supporters into jubilation.
The match was even throughout the first half but Ahly looked more dangerous in open play. Zamalek struggled to find a way through and were limited to set piece opportunities from playmaker Zizo that were defended easily by the Ahly defense. Ahly winger Ahmed Abdelkader created the best look in the opening half hour when he flew by Hamza Mathlouthi on the left wing and got to the end line before sending a tempting cross to an open Taher Mohamed, who squandered his chance by miskicking a shot over the bar from eight yards out.
Ahly would have more luck close to halftime and took advantage of a mistake from their rivals to open the scoring. While attempting to pass out of the back Zamalek midfielder Zakaria El Wardi lost focus and his back pass was intercepted by Ahly attacker Bruno Sávio. The Brazilian playmaker ran at center back Mohamed Abdelghani and created space to curl his finish past goalkeeper Mohamed Awad for his first goal since joining Ahly.
Zamalek increased their efforts to find a goal by looking to focus their attacks down the left wing. Zizo had a good look at a volley in the 57th minute but sent his effort over before unleashing a blast from over thirty yards out that touched the crossbar on its way over five minutes later with Ahly keeper Mohamed El Shenawy beaten. Ahly substitute Mohamed Sherif had a couple of looks after coming on but was denied by courageous goalkeeping from Awad.
Despite furious attempts from Zamalek in the final ten minutes including a dangerous free kick from Zizo on 83 minutes El Shenawy and his defense maintained the clean sheet. In second half stoppage time it was Karim Fouad who put the match away when he finished Taher Mohamed’s low cross to clinch the victory for Ahly.
Video of both goals are below.
