Egypt midfielder Mohamed El-Neny (Photo: Reuters)
Egypt midfielder Mohamed El-Neny scored his first Basel goal to help the Swiss champions claim a vital 4-2 victory over Zurich and extend their lead at the top of the league table.
El-Neny, who joined Basel from Egyptian side Arab Contractors in January 2013, hit his side's fourth of the night two minutes from time on the rebound following Fabian Frei's blocked spot kick.
The Egyptian midfielder's goal was crucial to his side, who were in front after a brace from Ivorian frontman Giovanni Sio (8 and 71) and a Valentin Stocker goal in between gave Basel a three-goal lead.
Basel, however, had to endure some nervy moments near the end of the game with the visitors pulling two goals back through Pedro Henrique and Tunisia star Yassine Chikhaoui on 73 and 78 minutes respectively.
But the 21-year-old El-Neny managed to relieve some of the tension with Basel's fourth to help them open a four-point gap at the top of the Super League table.
"Thanks God and thank you all for my first Basel goal and for the win. The victory was so important for us," El-Neny posted on his personal Twitter account after the game.
The 16-time-Swiss champions Basel have 59 points as they meet second-placed rivals Grasshoppers next weekend.
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