File Photo: Ahly Midfielder Emam Ashour in action during the match against Ceramica. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly.
The defending champions climbed to the top of the table with 49 points following a 4-2 win over Masry on Thursday, taking advantage of Pyramids FC’s 4-2 loss to NBE Club a day later.
Ahly have been in fine form under interim coach Emad El-Nahass, recording three straight victories against Petrojet (3-2), Harras El-Hodoud (5-0), and Masry (4-2), scoring 12 goals in three matches.
However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern.
Tuesday’s opponents Ceramica Cleopatra have also shown resilience this season.
They held Zamalek to a 2- 2 draw on Friday with a late header from Moroccan forward Ahmed Belhadj.
In-form midfielder Emam Ashour will be key for Ahly after scoring twice against Masry to move joint-top of the league’s scoring chart with 11 goals, alongside Zamalek’s Nasser Mansi and NBE Club’s Ossama Faysal.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali also ended a prolonged scoring drought by netting for the second consecutive match, adding further depth to Ahly’s attacking options.
Ceramica boast several attacking threats of their own, including South African striker Fagrie Lakay, Belhadj, Mahmoud Zalaka and Eslam Issa.
But like Ahly, they have struggled defensively, which could prove costly against a free-scoring Red Devils side.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: