Ahly winger Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan celebrates with the club's supporters after scoring his side's only goal in the 1-0 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra in the 7th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Friday. Photo: Ahly's official Facebook account.
Trezeguet netted the winner in the 26th minute, unleashing a fierce right-footed shot into the top-left corner following a clever assist from Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki.
The win lifted the defending champions to 10th place in the standings with nine points, seven behind league leaders Zamalek, while Ceramica Cleopatra dropped to eighth on 10 points.
Ahly started brightly, dominating possession and pushing for an early breakthrough. But Ali Maher’s side remained disciplined defensively, with goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam putting in a standout performance.
Just five minutes in, Bencharki created the game’s first clear chance, beating defenders on the left and delivering a pinpoint cross to Mohamed Sherif, whose first-time shot was denied by a quick Bassam save. However, Taher Mohamed failed to capitalise on the rebound, which was cleared for a corner.
Bencharki remained a constant threat, testing Bassam again with a low drive from distance and later delivering a teasing cross that found Taher unmarked, only for the winger to squander the opportunity.
In the 17th minute, Bassam was called into action once more, parrying a well-struck free kick from Taher Mohamed after a handball by Islam Issa.
Ceramica’s first real chance came in the 38th minute on a swift counterattack, but Issa lost control inside the area. Referee Mahmoud Wafa reviewed the play for a potential penalty but allowed it to continue.
Trezeguet nearly doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a header from another Bencharki cross, but the effort drifted wide.
After the break, Ahly continued to control possession but struggled to find a second goal. In the 53rd minute, Trezeguet played in Sherif, who failed to convert, sparking a Ceramica counterattack.
Trezeguet was denied again moments later when his header, set up by Bencharki, was saved by Bassam on the line, prompting appeals from Ahly players that the ball had crossed, though no goal was awarded.
Ceramica coach Ali Maher introduced Ahmed Belhadji and Ayman Mokka in the 83rd minute in an attempt to inject energy into the attack.
Late in the match, Ahly substitute Nejc Gradišar missed a golden opportunity after a precise cross from Hussein El-Shahat, with Bassam once again coming to the rescue in a one-on-one situation.
Ceramica had one final chance in stoppage time, but Islam Issa blasted over from close range. At the other end, Aliou Dieng’s long-range shot was saved by Bassam as Al Ahly held on for the win.
Ahly next face Haras El-Hodoud on Tuesday, while Ceramica Cleopatra will look to bounce back against Modern Sport a day later.
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