Al Ahly edge Smouha in Egyptian Premier League clash

Al Ahly edged Smouha 2-1 in the second round of the final phase of the Egyptian Premier League at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, keeping their title defence alive.

The Red Eagles dominated much of the match but posed little real threat on Smouha’s goal, as the visitors remained well-organised defensively and Ahly lacked a clinical finishing touch.

Al Ahly took the lead in the 24th minute when Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan headed home from a corner delivered by Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”.

Smouha drew level through Samuel Amadou in first-half stoppage time, before substitute Taher Mohamed Taher netted the winner with a header deep into stoppage time.

The victory lifts Ahly to 44 points, while Smouha remain on 31.

Ahly, the defending champions, will have a bye in the next round of the final phase. Their next fixture is against Pyramids FC on 27 April.