Al Ahly returned to winning ways with a tight 1 to 0 victory over El Gouna on Thursday night at Cairo International Stadium. The win lifted the Red Devils to second place in the Egyptian Premier League table after 18 rounds. A first half header from Imam Ashour proved decisive in a match filled with missed chances and tense moments.
Imam Ashour Header Seals Crucial Win
Al Ahly started strong and controlled possession from the opening whistle.
Imam Ashour nearly scored in the eighth minute with a powerful long range effort that drifted just wide. Minutes later, he tried again with a volley inside the box, but the El Gouna goalkeeper reacted quickly.
The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute.
Ashraf Bencharki delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, and Ashour rose above the defense to head the ball into the net. The goal sparked loud celebrations among the home fans and set the tone for the rest of the match.
That single header was enough to secure three vital points in the title race.
Match Winner at a Glance
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Goal scorer: Imam Ashour
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Assist: Ashraf Bencharki
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Minute scored: 35
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Final score: Al Ahly 1, El Gouna 0
El Gouna Threatened but Failed to Convert
Despite Al Ahly’s dominance, El Gouna showed resilience and created dangerous moments.
In the 22nd minute, Reda Salah connected with a powerful header inside the box. Mohamed El Shenawy produced a fine save to deny the equalizer, and Al Ahly’s defense quickly cleared the rebound.
El Gouna tried to press forward during transitions, especially through wide areas. However, they struggled to maintain possession for long periods.
Their inability to finish key chances ultimately cost them the match.
Missed Chances Keep Scoreline Narrow
Al Ahly continued attacking in the second half in search of a second goal to kill off the contest.
Ashour had another attempt from distance, while a close range header from Camoues was brilliantly saved by the El Gouna goalkeeper.
Marwan Othman wasted a golden opportunity in the 64th minute. A well placed cross found him unmarked inside the penalty area, but his shot flew over the bar.
The narrow margin kept tension high until the final whistle.
Key Second Half Moments
| Minute | Player | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | Ashour | Long range shot | Saved |
| 58 | Camoues | Header | Goalkeeper save |
| 64 | Marwan Othman | Close range shot | Over the bar |
Al Ahly’s failure to convert clear chances could have proven costly on another night.
Impact on Egyptian Premier League Standings
With this win, Al Ahly climbed to second place in the Egyptian Premier League standings after 18 matches.
The victory keeps them firmly in the title race as the competition enters a critical stage. Every point now carries extra weight, especially with tight gaps between the top teams.
El Gouna, meanwhile, remain in the mid table zone and will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further.
What This Means for the Title Race
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Al Ahly strengthen their push for the championship
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Confidence boosted ahead of upcoming fixtures
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Defensive stability shown under pressure
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Need for sharper finishing remains clear
Al Ahly fans will be encouraged by the team’s control and defensive discipline. However, the lack of clinical finishing may concern coach and supporters alike.
Tactical View: Control and Discipline
Al Ahly relied on early pressing and quick wing play to stretch El Gouna’s defense.
Bencharki’s involvement on the flank proved crucial. His cross for the goal highlighted the importance of width in breaking compact defensive lines.
Defensively, the partnership at the back remained organized, limiting El Gouna’s clear cut chances.
The midfield also played a key role in controlling tempo and preventing counter attacks.
It was a performance built on structure, patience, and a moment of quality.
As the league moves deeper into its second half, consistency will decide the champion. Al Ahly have taken a vital step by climbing to second place, but tougher challenges lie ahead.
Can they maintain momentum and reclaim the top spot? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us if you believe Al Ahly can go all the way this season.
