Al Ahly claimed top spot in the Egyptian Premier League on Monday following a 3-0 victory over Cairo rivals Pyramids FC, moving the Red Devils three points clear of Zamalek at the top of table after the defending champions were stunned 2-1 at the ground of newly promoted Aswan SC. Amr El Solia’s powerful long range strike gave Ahly the lead early on before the Egypt national team midfielder struck again in the second half to clinch three points. Pyramids remain seven points back of Ahly in fourth position, two points back of third placed Future FC.
Monday’s early match featured a surprising result as Zamalek’s eight-match league unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of the only Premier League participant from Egypt’s southern half. Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Belhadji set up the opening goal in the 4th minute when his corner kick deflected into the goal off Zamalek center back Mohamed Abdel Ghani for an own goal before Angolan forward Dilson leaped to head in another Belhadji corner kick service just before halftime. Hossam Abdul-Majeed headed in Zizo’s second half free kick to get Zamalek back into the match but the Nile Crocodiles held on for three points to move into seventh position after earning promotion back to the top tier last season.
Zamalek’s defeat was pleasing to Al Ahly supporters and in Monday’s late matchup the ten-time African champions took advantage. El Solia’s powerful shot was too much for the efforts of Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy in the 19th minute, who will feel like he could have done more to keep the match level. A perfectly placed looping header from El Solia off a Hussein El Shahat corner kick put Ahly beyond reach in the 69th minute, who did more with the ball against a Pyramids side who enjoyed more possession. In second half stoppage time the humiliation of Pyramids was complete when El Shahat’s cross deflected off defender Ahmed Sami, leaving El Shenawy off balance as the ball rolled past him.
Highlights from all four of Monday’s games are below. The other two matches saw Al Masry defeat relegation candidates El Dakleya while ENPPI SC earned three points on the road with a 2-1 win over Al Ittihad in Alexandria.
Scores
Al Ahly 3-0 Pyramids FC
Aswan SC 2-1 Zamalek
El Dakleya 0-1 Al Masry
Al Ittihad 1-2 ENPPI
Highlights
Al Ahly 3-0 Pyramids FC (Extended Highlights)
Aswan SC 2-1 Zamalek
El Dakleya 0-1 Al Masry
Al Ittihad 1-2 ENPPI
