A dramatic late winner in second half stoppage time from Burkinabé midfielder Saidou Simpore gave El Masry a crucial road victory to continue their excellent season in the Egyptian top flight, giving the Port Said side a 1-2 result over Ceramica Cleopatra on Wednesday. While their newfound status as the second-placed team should only be temporary due to the numerous games Al Ahly has to make up on the competition, the victory strengthens their cause for qualification to CAF club competition with Smouha trailing close behind.
The opener for the road side came following a VAR review that determined Nigerian midfielder Emeka Eze was tripped up by a Ceramica Cleopatra defender right at the end of the first half. Former Zamalek forward Ahmed Refaat stepped up and sent Ceramica keeper Mohamed Amer the wrong way to put Masry up on the stroke of halftime.
Ceramica pushed for an equalizer in an even and hard fought match, finding the tying goal in the 72nd minute. An aerial ball Saleh Gomaa into the Masry penalty area found Shady Hussein and the veteran forward applied a slick volley with the outside of his boot to beat Ahmed Massoud and restore parity. However, in the last minute of second half stoppage time Mohamed Antar collected a cross that was knocked down and laid off a pass to substitute Simpore, who did well to get off a quick low shot in traffic that left Amer helpless and sent the visitors into celebration.
Highlights are below.
