Ahly's Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali fights for the ball during the match with Masry on Friday 26 July, 2024. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
Ahly and Pyramids FC are now level on 69 points, but Ahly holds the advantage in head-to-head record. The defending champions also have three games in hand and are just one win away from equaling their own league record for most consecutive wins in a season, set in 2004/2005.
The match was a tale of two halves. Ahly dominated the early stages, with Emam Ashour, Hussein El Shahat, and Abou Ali all testing the Masry defense.
The visitors struggled to create opportunities in the face of Ahly's relentless pressure.
The second half was a different affair. Marcel Koller’s men pushed deeper into Masry’s zone to pile more pressure on their defense.
In the 62nd minute, Abou Ali rose above his marker to meet a pinpoint cross from Reda Slim with a powerful header into the back of the net.
The 25-year-old has netted his 12th goal in only 15 matches, in addition to four assists, since joining the team in January.
Masry’s Mido Gaber had a chance to equalize a few minutes later, but international keeper Mohamed El Shennawy showed great reflexes to deny him from close range.
Abou Ali could have secured the win but was denied by keeper Mahmoud Gad in a one-on-one situation.
The Red Devils were able to hold on to their narrow advantage, overcoming a significant obstacle in their pursuit of a record-extending 44th league title.
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