CAIRO: Second-half substitute Mohamed Fadl and evergreen playmaker Mohamed Abou-Trika scored one apiece to give Ahly a valuable 2-0 victory over ENPPI on Monday in the Egyptian Premier League.
Former Ismaili striker Fadl notched the opener on the hour mark, and Egypt superstar Abou-Trika, who scored twice in Ahly s 2-1 victory over Mansoura last week, wrapped up the win in the 78th minute.
Now Ahly are once again three points clear on top of the league table on 20 points, while ENPPI lie seventh with 10.
The match was the last before the league break, which was prompted by Egypt s preparations for next month s World Cup qualifier with Algeria.
The match was played at a fast pace from the very beginning, with both teams seeking an early opener.
Ahly s Emad Meteb was deployed as a lone striker, ahead of influential duo Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed Abou-Trika.
Sayed Mowad carved out Ahly s first attempt on goal when he dribbled past a couple of challengers, his inaccurate cross was no threat though.
ENPPI s Ahmed Raouf had the first real scoring opportunity when he went one-on-one with custodian Ahmed Adel, who competently blocked the former s effort.
On the 18th minutes, Raouf had another chance but his marker Wael Gomaa cleared the danger right away.
The Petroleum side s defense was consistent throughout the goalless first half, but Barakat nearly netted an opening goal when his right-wing cross-come-shot hit the bar.
Ten minutes from halftime, Abou-Trika connected unopposed with Meteb s precise cut-back but his shot went high over.
Moataz Eno tried to break the deadlock late in the first half and cannoned a shot that went well wide of the mark.
Right after the interval, Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan replaced mercurial midfielder Barakat, and helped Ahly dominate in midfield during an eventful second half.
The Red Devils evidently controlled the game in the second half, but for a while the visitors remained impenetrable at the back and dangerous near Ahly s area.
Fadl, who came on as a second-half substitute instead of Ahmed Ali, put Ahly in front after he controlled Abou-Trika s inch-perfect cross to slide past the keeper from close range.
The Egyptian champions tightened their grip on the game and had more clear-cut chances shortly after Fadl s strike.
Abou-Trika turned from provider to scorer to ensure Ahly s superiority 12 minutes from time upon converting an indirect free-kick earned by Fadl in the area.
