Ahly Forward Achraf Bencharki scores his goal during the match against Ceramica Cleopatra. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
Moroccan winger Ashraf Bencharki scored the winner in the 20th minute, earning his team three precious points.
Ahly now sit atop the league with 52 points, five ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC, who face Zamalek later on Tuesday.
Ceramica made a strong start to the match, dominating possession early on. However, Bencharki struck against the run of play with a well-executed chip after receiving a precise pass from midfielder Emam Ashour.
Despite conceding, Ceramica continued to press and nearly equalized in the 25th minute, but Eslam Issa missed a clear opportunity.
The hosts had another chance to draw level early in the second half when winger Mahmoud Zalaka opted to pass instead of taking a shot on goal, squandering yet another opportunity.
Content with their lead, Ahly shifted focus to defense, effectively neutralizing Ceramica’s attacks—especially as the home side appeared fatigued in the final 20 minutes.
Ahly coach Emad El-Nahass brought on Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar and winger Hussein El-Shahat to inject energy into the side, but neither made a significant impact.
In the dying minutes, Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim cleared the ball off the line to deny Ahmed Belhadj a late equalizer.
Ahly will face NBE Club on Saturday before concluding their league campaign against Pharco on Wednesday, 28 May.
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