Keeper Shobeir saves precious win for Ahly against Ismaily in domestic league

Ahram Online , Wednesday 1 May 2024

Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir came to the rescue with a crucial save in injury time to secure a valuable 2-1 victory over Ismaily in a league game at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium.

Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir
Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Photo courtesy of Ahly.

 

Shobeir blocked a close-range shot from Ismaily forward Nader Farag, who was on the verge of equalizing, earning him the Man of the Match award.

The scoring started in the 33rd minute when South African forward Percy Tau put Ahly ahead.

Emam Ashour then doubled the lead three minutes before the hour-mark.

Ismaily's hopes were revived when winger Abdel-Rahman Magdi converted a penalty in the 75th minute, making the final 15 minutes more thrilling.

Ismaily's defender Mohamed Nasr was sent off one minute from time after a dispute with the referee.

With this victory, Ahly moved to 12th place in the league standings with 24 points, 14 points behind leaders Pyramids FC who played five more games.

The first half was a dull affair, with both teams failing to impress.

Ahly winger Ahmed Abdel-Kader was substituted in the 23rd minute, making way for Hussein El-Shahat, who made his first appearance since sustaining a facial injury against Simba of Tanzania in the Champions League quarterfinals in April.

Ten minutes later, Percy Tau scored the opening goal, benefiting from a deflected shot that beat the goalkeeper.

Ismaily attempted to respond, but Shobeir denied Abdel-Rahman Magdi's free-kick shot and another attempt just before halftime.

Seven minutes into the second half, Shobeir once again denied Magdi's close-range effort.

Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour extended the lead in the 57th minute with a skillful solo effort, making Ahly's task easier for the remaining 30 minutes.

However, Ismaily were awarded a controversial penalty in the 75th minute, which Abdel-Rahman Magdi converted to narrow the gap with 15 minutes left.

Ahly tried to slow down the game's tempo, and Ismaily failed to pose a threat to the Red Devils until injury time when Nader Farag had a clear opportunity, but Shobeir denied his effort, securing the victory for Ahly.

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