Cairo giants Al Ahly and Zamalek both prevailed despite both being reduced to ten players in the second half on Tuesday in action from Egypt's top flight Nile League.
Ahly moved into top spot courtesy of Emam Ashour's 56th minute goal, giving the defending Egyptian and African club champions a 1-0 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla. A free kick outside the Mahalla penalty area saw Mohamed Magdy "Afsha" tap the ball to Ashour who curled a beautiful effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mohamed Amer.
The result moves Ahly two points clear of Pyramids FC, who will have a chance to move back into first place when they host Haras El Hodoud on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Zamalek defeated hosts Pharco despite poor pitch conditions in a match where opportunities were few and far between. A 40th minute free kick service from Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" on the left wing missed the head of Mahmoud Gehad but Pharco midfielder Ahmed Gamal could not react quickly enough before the ball went off him and in for an own goal.
Gehad was later sent off for a second yellow card but Zamalek held on for the three points, moving them closer to top sides Ahly and Pyramids in third place.
In the other match on Tuesday, Alexandria club Smouha edged Petrojet away from home in a 1-0 victory with Mohamed Salim's 4th minute strike standing as the match winner.
League Table (Top-5)
GP | Points | |
Al Ahly | 13 | 29 |
Pyramids FC | 12 | 27 |
Zamalek | 13 | 26 |
Al Masry | 12 | 22 |
Ceramica Cleopatra | 12 | 19 |