
Ahly players celebrate the victory over Masry in the Egyptian Premier League. Ahly's official X account
The Cairo giants, who still have a game in hand, now lead the league table with 11 points, sharing the same points with Masry, Zamalek, and Pyramids FC.
Moroccan left-back Yahya Attiat-Allah broke the deadlock just six minutes before halftime with a set-piece from outside the box, giving Ahly the lead.
In injury time, substitute Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdy doubled the lead with a goal from a counterattack, capitalizing on Masry's players rushing up the field.
The game was marked by controversy when Masry players appealed for a penalty in the 42nd minute after goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy appeared to foul Tunisian striker Fakhreddine Ben Youssef in the box.
However, the referee waved play on and the VAR remained silent.
Despite starting the game with high pressure on Ahly's defense, Masry failed to capitalize on defensive errors.
Ahly coach Marcel Koller brought on Mohamed ‘Afsha’ Magdy, Akram Tawfik, and Khaled Abdel-Fattah from the bench to push the team forward and secure the victory.
The Red Devils missed a clear chance to extend their lead in the 75th minute when Emam Ashour's powerful strike crashed off the crossbar.
In response, Masry coach Ali Maher introduced forward Salah Mohsen and midfielder Mohamed Makhlouf from the bench in an attempt to stage a comeback, but they were thwarted by Ahly's defense.
Makhlouf came close from the equalizer but he was unluck to see his header denied by the post.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: