Preview: Buoyant Ahly out to take league summit against Masry

Ahram Online , Wednesday 25 Dec 2024

Defending champions Ahly aim to capitalize on their recent momentum and claim a crucial victory over Masry in the 6th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League at Alexandria's Borg El Arab Stadium on Thursday.

Ahly vs Bank of Egypt
Ahly's Defender Ramy Rabia in action during the match with National Bank. Photo courtesy of Ahly Facebook page.

 

Ahly seek a win to propel them to the top of the league standings.

The Cairo giants, currently occupying fourth place with 8 points and a game in hand, enter the game brimming with confidence following a resounding 6-1 victory over Belouizdad of Algeria in the third round of the CAF Champions League group stage on Sunday.

Despite a promising start to their title defence, with a 5-2 triumph over Ceramica Cleopatra and a narrow 1-0 win over ZED FC, the Red Devils stumbled in their subsequent matches, drawing 1-1 with Ittihad of Alexandria and playing out a goalless stalemate against NBE Club.

Ahly's title defence has been hampered by injuries to key players, including Ali Maaloul, Mohamed Hani, and Karim Fouad.

Furthermore, the injury woes have deepened with the absence of attacking duo Taher Mohamed and Reda Slim due to knee injuries.

On the other hand, last season's fourth-place finishers, Masry, have shown promise this season, securing wins against Talae El-Geish, Zamalek, and Pyramids FC while drawing against Gouna and Haras El-Hodood.

With 11 points, the coastal city Port Said's side currently sit second in the league, behind Zamalek only on goal difference.

Ahly and Masry's rivalry has a storied history, and Thursday's encounter promises another fiercely contested match.

While Masry hope to maintain their strong form, Ahly will seek to assert their dominance and claim the league summit.

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