Al Ahly ease past Ismailia Electricity to keep pace in Egyptian Premier League

Al Ahly defeated Ismailia Electricity 4-2 in the 10th round of the Egyptian Premier League at Arab Contractors Stadium on Saturday, maintaining pressure on the league summit.

The victory moved Ahly to 18 points, level with Masry and Zamalek, though both rivals have played one more match.

The Red Eagles dominated possession from the outset, creating numerous chances and seeing two goals by Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki ruled out for offside in the first half.

Ahmed ‘Koka’ Nabil opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful strike from inside the box, capitalising on a clever assist from Mohamed Hani.

Yassin Marie doubled the lead in the 36th minute, rising to head home a corner delivered by Ahmed ‘Sayed’ Zizo.

Just five minutes into the second half, Mohamed Sherif made it 3-0 after receiving a deflected ball inside the area, finishing unmarked to extend Ahly’s advantage.

Interim coach Emad El-Nahhas was forced into an early substitution in the 26th minute, bringing on Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdi to replace the injured Hussein El Shahat, who appeared to suffer a back muscle strain.

Ismailia Electricity reduced the deficit in the 57th minute through substitute Mohamed Ounajem, who sent a precise header past the keeper.

Essam El-Fayoumi scored the second for Ismailia Electricity.

Bencharki capped Ahly’s performance with a well-placed free-kick in the 73rd minute, firing from outside the area into the far corner.