(Photo by Ahmed Al-Malky)
The top teams in both Egyptian Premier League groups are fighting to claim one of the two championship playoff places at the top of their respective groups as they enter the final few games of the season.
Al-Zamalek and Ittihad El-Shorta both won their matches in Group 2, creating a tight race for the top two spots along with Petrojet and Ismaily.
El-Shorta won comfortably against seventh-placed Qena, scoring three second-half goals on Monday. The White Knights left it late to secure a 2-1 victory over Telephonat Beni Suef, moving them up to third place, with a late goal from Youssef Obama breaking the deadlock after both sides scored early on.
Al-Zamalek manager Ahmed Hossam Mido took to Twitter and thanked club President Mortada Mansour for his support, describing him as the “father” of the team. He added: “God willing, the league is Al-Zamalek’s”.
Mido, who took over the role of manager this season, announced earlier this week that he would hand in his resignation; however, he quickly reversed his decision “out of respect for the club and its fans”, according to FilGoal.com.
Petrojet’s Said Kamel scored late on to clinch a 1-1 draw with Al-Masry to keep his team in the top spot. However, the draw means the Group 2 leaders will go into their last game of the season with only a two point advantage over their closest rivals, El-Shorta, who have a game in hand.
The match between Ismaily and Haras Al-Hodood ended 0-0, keeping Ismaily in the hunt for the Group 2 playoff places joining Al-Zamalek on 31 points, and Haras Al-Hodood face the prospect of a relegation playoff at the end of the regular season.
At time of publication the Group 1 games were yet to kick off. Wednesday fixtures include: Gouna vs Ghazl Al-Mahalla, El-Entag El-Harby vs Arab Contractors, Dakhlia vs Raga’a, Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandary vs Al-Ahly. Thursday will see top side Somouha and eighth-placed ENNPI clash and the former looks to seal a championship playoff place.
Al-Ahly are looking to secure a vital win over Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandary, which will put them three points clear of the Alexandrian team in the race to secure a championship playoff place. A win would also send the Red Devils top of Group 1 on goal difference.
