Ahly players Celebrate during the match against Smouha at Alexandria’s Borg El-Arab Stadium. Photo courtesy of Ahly.
Ahly now lead the standings with 36 points, one ahead of Ceramica Cleopatra, who face Ismaily on Tuesday.
Later on, Tuesday, Zamalek and Pyramids FC, both on 34 points, take on ZED FC and Ghazl El-Mahalla respectively.
Smouha made a lively start, creating many attempts in the first half, but without troubled Ahly’s defence or goalkeeper.
Ahly were forced into an early change when defender Yassin Marei left the field injured in the 18th minute, paving the way for winter signing Hadi Reyad to make his first appearance of the season.
The decisive moment came on the half-hour mark when Smouha goalkeeper failed to deal with a shot from Youssef Belammri, allowing Osman to pounce on the rebound and fire home from close range.
Smouha squandered a golden opportunity in the second half when Khaled El-Ghandour unleashed a powerful effort, only to be denied by the Ahly keeper.
The hosts continued to press but, as in the opening period, lacked concentration in the final third.
Ahly were content to manage the tempo in the closing stages, protecting their slender lead against a Smouha side that dominated possession without posing significant danger.
Ahly next host ZED FC in Cairo on Saturday.
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