Ceramica Cleopatra forwards Ahmed Rayyan and John Ebuka celebrate after scoring their team third goal against Masry on Tuesday 18 October, 2022. Photo courtesy of Ceramica Cleopatra Twitter account.
In Aswan, Ittihad snatched a late winner, with Nigerian striker Austin Amutu -- who joined in the summer on a free transfer --- netting the winner five minutes from time to give his side a deserved victory over their newly-promoted opponents.
Later in the day, Ceramica Cleopatra thrashed Masry 3-0 at Alexandria's Borg EL-Arab stadium, handing former Egypt coach Ehab Galal and his men a heavy defeat.
Mido Gaber gave Ceramica an early lead with a nice glancing header in the 15th minute before Nigerian striker John Ibuka doubled their advantage 15 minutes later with a fine low shot from the edge of the area.
New-signing Ahmed Rayyan completed the rout on the hour-mark on the half-volley.
The manner of Masry's defeat is highly disappointing, especially given the vast amounts of money they paid on new signings in the close season. They signed ten new players and brought in Galal in an ambitious bid to challenge the established order.
Ceramica Cleopatra will have a tough test on Sunday when they face defending champions Zamalek in Cairo.
Elsewhere, NBE Club conceded a late goal in a 1-1 draw at home to Pharco FC in a game that saw both keepers commit costly mistakes.
Karim Bambo intercepted a poor pass from Pharco's keeper across the six-yard box to find an empty net in the 17th minute while NBE goalie Mohamed Abou-Gabal needlessly fouled an opponent in stoppage time, with the referee pointing to the spot.
Ahmed Abdel-Aziz converted the penalty, preventing his side from suffering an opening league defeat.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
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