Future FC, Mahalla to meet in final of inaugural EFA League Cup

Ahram Online , Sunday 3 Jul 2022

Top-flight debutants Future FC and one-time league winners Ghazl El-Mahalla will meet in the final of the inaugural EFA League Cup, the country's third-tier competition, after winning their respective semi-final games on Sunday.

Ismaily v Ghazl El-Mahalla
File photo of a match between Ismaily and Ghazl El-Mahalla (Ahram)

El-Mahalla overcame three-time league winners Ismaily 4-3 on penalties following an exciting 2-2 draw.

Moaz El-Hennawi gave Mahalla an early lead but Ismaily midfielder Omar El-Wahsh converted a penalty with 10 minutes remaining to force extra time.

Palestinian forward Khaled Al-Nabris put Ismaily ahead in the 97th minute but Tanzanian midfielder Himid Mao rescued Mahalla with a vital goal just two minutes before the end of the second half of extra time.

Mahalla prevailed on penalties to reach the final and continue their bid towards a first title since they won the domestic league in 1973.

Later in the day, Future FC, who are challenging for a top-four finish in their maiden league appearance, eased past Enppi 2-0.

Striker Ahmed Atef broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime and winger Mohamed Farouk ensured the win three minutes into the second half.

The League Cup was introduced this season despite a fixture congestion in Egypt's other domestic competitions, the league and cup.

Most high-profile clubs relied on some fringe players in the League Cup. Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek as well as the big-spending Pyramids FC were all eliminated in the group stage.

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