Al Ahly beat Ceramica Cleopatra to reach Egyptian Super Cup final

Al Ahly booked a place in the final of the Egyptian Super Cup after defeating Ceramica Cleopatra 2-1 in the semi-final on Thursday at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi.

Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” gave the Cairo giants an early lead in the 19th minute, heading home a precise cross from Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” on the right wing.

Despite Al Ahly’s dominance, Ceramica Cleopatra equalised four minutes before halftime through Marwan Osman.

Slovenian forward Nejc Gradisar restored Al Ahly’s advantage seven minutes after the break, converting a clever assist from Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki.

Coach Jess Thorup introduced Taher Mohamed Taher in the 68th minute to replace Gradisar as Al Ahly continued to press for a third goal. Taher and Trezeguet both missed chances to extend the lead.

Thorup later brought on Mohamed Ben Romdhane, Ahmed Ramadan and Ahmed Abdelkader, shifting to a more defensive 5-3-2 formation to protect the lead while relying on counterattacks.

Abdelkader and Taher had further opportunities but failed to capitalise before the final whistle. Al Ahly will face the winner of Thursday’s second semi-final between Zamalek and Pyramids FC in the final later in the day.