Since beating rivals Zamalek 3-0 on 21 January, the Red Devils took three by weeks in the domestic competition as they participated at the Club World Cup and played a game in the African Champions League preliminaries.

Three first half goals by Mahmoud Kahraba, Ahmed Abdel-Kader and Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi helped Ahly put the game away against a helpless Aswan team.

The Red Devils, who lost the title to rivals Zamalek in the last two seasons, now have 40 points from 16 games, three ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC who played two games more.

Aswan remains with 22 points in ninth place.

Ahly rules in first half

Ahly put pressure on the hosts from the first whistle.

In the 11th minute, Ahly’s flamboyant winger Kahraba was denied a goal for offside.

Aswan keeper Amr Hossam was the hero in the following minutes after denying scoring chances from Afsha, Abdel-Kader and Hussein El-Shahat. 

The Red Devils were finally able to get what they deserved in the 34th minute when El-Shahat found Kahraba with a cross at the far post to power a header past the keeper.

Ahly’s dominance continued as an in-form El-Shahat made his second contribution of the day, sending another stunning pass to talented winger Abdel-Kader who doubled the score from a clear shot from inside the box.

Just one minute before the break, Ahly’s skipper Mohamed El-Shennawy saved a penalty from Aswan skipper Ahmed Khaled to make it his third in a row.

One minute later, Afsha added the third in injury time after a good job from first half hero El-Shahat.

Aswan fails to mount comeback

At the break, the Aswan coach made two substitutions in a bid to restore some balance but to no avail.

Kahraba wasted a golden chance to score another goal.

However, Kahraba was injured and replaced by striker Shady Huessin in the 58th minute.

Down the stretch, Ahly’s Swiss coach Marcel Koller rotated players to rest some of his starters today; introducing new signing Ahmed Kendouci, forward Percy Tau, central defender Ramy Rabea and midfielder Taher Mohamed Taher.

In the dying minutes, Aswan, who had not lost in their previous six home games, remained toothless while Ahly maintained a calm rhythm until the final whistle.

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