Al Ahly and Pyramids FC both needed moments of quality to overcome their opponents by narrow margins on Wednesday in the Egyptian Premier League and both emerged with 1-0 victories. In the case of Ahly a heavily rotated squad edged last placed Misr Lel Makkasa courtesy of a finish from Malian midfielder Aliou Dieng following a counter attack that began from a poorly executed Makkasa corner kick. Dieng’s second goal of the season arrived in the 23rd minute off a first time finish from an Ahmed Abdelkader setup. Ahly continue to struggle following further bad news that important midfielder Amr El Solia is out for the season with an injury.
In the case of Pyramids FC the performance was a bit more convincing from the second placed team, who dominated National Bank of Egypt but struggled to find the breakthrough they needed. However, veteran playmaker Abdallah Said provided the moment of quality in the 71st minute when he collected a pass outside the NBE penalty area and lobbed a pinpoint pass into the path of the run of Ramadan Sobhi. Sobhi sent a powerful header past NBE goalkeeper Mahmoud El Zonfoly for the game’s lone goal and Pyramids continue to keep the pressure on league leaders Zamalek.
Pyramids FC are one point behind Zamalek who face Future FC on the road Thursday while Ahly are six points back of their rivals. Highlights from both games as well as Wednesday’s other match, a 1-1 draw between Smouha and Arab Contractors, are below.
Pyramids FC 1-0 National Bank of Egypt
Misr Lel Makkasa 0-1 Al Ahly
Smouha 1-1 Arab Contractors