(Photo by Ahmed Al-Malky)
Saadeldin Samir’s deflected right-wing cross into ENPPI’s goal guaranteed a hard win for Al-Ahly in Cairo Stadium last Thursday evening, in the Egyptian Premier League’s 4th matchday.
Samir intended to cross the ball but a deflection by ENPPI’s Mozambican defender Mano sent the ball into ENPPI’s net in the 66th minute. The own-goal sent the Red Devils to Group A’s pole position with nine points, despite having played one match less than their group rivals.
On Thursday afternoon, Masr Al-Maqassa came in a close second by defeating Al-Dakhlia 2-0 on Saturday. The team earned eight points.
Fourth place Semouha defeated sixth place Al-Gouna 1-0 in Alexandria.
Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandary surprised Egyptian Premier League spectators with a 3-1 win over Al-Entag Al-Harby. The Alexandrian team earned six points, which left it in third place while Al-Entag Al-Harby fell to tenth place with only one point.
Eighth place Ghazl Al-Mahalla also crushed 11th place Al-Raga’a 4-1 to secure their first league win.
In Group B, a double from Petrojet’s goalscorer Nigerian James Tibi against Wadi Degla sent Petrojet over Ismaily into the group’s top spot, with only a tiebreaking goal count separating the Canal area rivals, who both have 10 points.
Zamalek comes in third place with six points and an upcoming match.
The league’s 5th matchday was delayed after the Ministry of Interior issued a hiatus with Tuesday’s referendum on the draft constitution. No dates have been set for the matchday yet.
With regards to team roster changes, former Ismaily player Omar Gamal has moved to Zamalek after a short stint at Libyan team Ahly Tripoli.
Zamalek’s Ahmed Eid Abdel Malek went to Libya as well, but for Ahly Benghazi.
Al-Ahly signed ENPPI’s veteran striker Ahmed Raouf. Egyptian star Mohamed Nagi “Gedo” terminated his injury-stricken loan term in English Premier League team Hull City.
