Ahly ease past Arab Contractors in Egyptian League (Photo: Ahram Sport)
Ahly claimed an easy 3-0 win over Arab Contractors in an adjourned game at Petro Sport Stadium on Thursday to cement their position at the top of the league table with 57 points, 12 points ahead of second-placed Ismaily.
South African winger Pakamani Mahalambi opened the scoring nine minutes after the game's kick-off, while Moroccan striker Walid Azaro added the second goal 15 minutes later, taking his tally to 12 goals this season, while playmaker Abdallah El-Saed completed the rout at stoppage time.
The Moroccan striker joined Maqassa's striker John Antwi and Wadi Degla's front-man Omar El-Saed on the league’s top scorers list, as they netted all 12 goals so far.
The Red Devils opened the game in style as they were close to earning an early lead in the first minute when Mahalambi received a nice pass from classy playmaker Abdallah El-Saed that made him clear, but his close-range effort was denied by Arab Contractors keeper Mahmoud Abou El-Seoud.
The South African winger found the net eight minutes later when he met Ahmed Fathi's cross from the right to beat the keeper at the near post.
Mahalambi’s goal was the first with Ahly since joining the Red Devils last summer.
In the 24th minute, Azaro doubled Ahly's lead with a nice volley from inside the area.
Arab Contactors tried to react, but their uncompleted attacks were easily contained by an organised Ahly defence.
The second half seemed an eventless affair as Ahly players were satisfied with their double lead against a toothless Arab Contractors side.
Arab Contractors coach Mohamed Ouda tried to inject new blood into his side's offense, introducing offensive trio Mohamed Nagy, Eslam Fouad and Hossam Salama, but they failed to make their presence felt.
Highly-rated winger Salah Mohsen, signed from Enppi for a record fee of EGP 35 million, has made his first appearance as he played the last 10 minutes of the game.
Abdallah El-Saed netted the third goal for Ahly in stoppage time after receiving a nice pass from Nigerian winger Junior Ajayi to score easily from close range, giving the Red Devils a deserved win.
The 39-time Egyptian champions will host Arab Contractors in a league game on Monday.
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