File photo of Ahly's Amr El-Sulaya, who scored the opening goal against Dakhleya (Ahram)
Ahly needed two second-half goals to reach the Egypt Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over a brave Dakhleya side in Cairo on Friday.
The Red Devils could not break down the resolute Dakhleya in the first half but settled the tie in their favour with two goals in the second period to continue their bid to win the domestic double for a second straight season.
A piledriver from central midfielder Amr El-Sulaya put Ahly ahead in the 72nd minute before substitute Islam Mohareb made sure of the victory with a fine effort seven minutes from time.
Ahly, who were crowned league champions for the third time in a row with six matches to spare last month, will face Assiouty Sport in the quarter-final.
Although Ahly laid siege to Dakhleya’s area in a first-half they dominated, goal-scoring chances were scarce.
Their best opportunity before the break came on the quarter-hour mark when winger Mido Gaber controlled a long ball unmarked in the area but his chip from a tight angle narrowly missed the target.
Dakhleya’s breakaway efforts were tame but they managed to keep Ahly at bay for long periods, although El-Sulaya almost broke their resistance on 58 minutes when his fierce drive rattled the woodwork.
He made amends in superb fashion on 72 minutes, unleashing a stoppable shot into the top corner from 25 metres after creating space for himself.
Mohareb added the second on 83 minutes, curling a left-foot shot into the corner of the net after his initial effort was blocked by a defender.
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