Al Ahly beat Smouha to maintain perfect Egyptian League start

Al Ahly beat Smouha 1-0 in the third round of the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday, with defender Yasser Ibrahim scoring with a powerful strike at Cairo International Stadium.

The hosts dominated possession from the outset but were frustrated by a well-organised Smouha defence that blocked several attempts.

Al Ahly coach Hussien Ammouta largely kept the starting lineup he had used in the opening rounds of the league, with striker Soufiane Benjdida making his first start of the season.

Al Ahly missed a clear chance to take the lead in the first half when unmarked winger Taher Mohamed Taher saw his header from inside the box hit the left post.

Ammouta introduced Mounsef Bakrar, Mohamed Magdi Afsha and Ahmed Reda after the break as Al Ahly stepped up the pressure and continued to create scoring opportunities.

The victory kept Al Ahly's perfect record intact, with nine points from three matches.

Al Ahly opened their league campaign with a 3-2 win over Al Sharqiya Enppi before beating ZED FC 2-0 in the second round.

They will next face Arab Contractors in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday.