Al Ahly ease past Zamalek to claim Egyptian League summit

Al Ahly defeated Zamalek 2-0 in the sixth matchday of the Egyptian Premier League at Cairo International Stadium to move to the top of the standings with 16 points.

The Red Eagles dominated proceedings from the outset, with right-back Mohamed Hany opening the scoring seven minutes before half-time.

Hany unleashed a powerful long-range strike that took a deflection off a Zamalek defender before finding the back of the net.

Despite enjoying possession, Al Ahly created few clear-cut chances in the first half, with Achraf Bencharki's solo effort inside the penalty area blocked by Zamalek's solid defence.

Early in the second half, Zamalek squandered a golden opportunity to equalise after capitalising on a misplaced pass by Al Ahly's Zizo to launch a four-man counterattack.

However, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Ahmed Sherif's close-range effort.

Al Ahly coach Hussein Ammouta made a double substitution in the 66th minute, bringing on Omar El Saie and Algerian forward Monsef Bakrar for Emam Ashour and Youssef Benjdida.

The change paid dividends as Bakrar doubled Ahly's lead in the 80th minute, firing a low shot from outside the penalty area past the Zamalek goalkeeper.

Three minutes later, Ammouta introduced Taher Mohamed Taher and Hussein El Shahat for Bencharki and Zizo in a bid to freshen up the attack.

The referee blew the final whistle to confirm Ahly's 2-0 victory, lifting the Red Eagles to the summit of the Egyptian Premier League standings with 16 points.