Ahly secured a hard-fought victory over Petrojet, winning 2-1 at Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, with both goals coming from key players as they aimed to maintain their lead at the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings.
The defending champions achieved their 26-point milestone after the match, holding onto the top spot, two points clear of rivals Pyramids FC. Emam Ashour opened the scoring with a spectacular volley just 15 minutes in, expertly finishing from the edge of the box. Nejc Gradisar, the club's recent signing, added the second goal for Ahly at the 68th minute, marking his third goal since joining the team.
Petrojet, newly promoted and impressively positioned sixth with 17 points, managed to score a consolation goal from Ahmed Farouk deep in stoppage time, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Under the guidance of coach Marcel Koller, Ahly displayed dominance from the start using their 3-4-3 formation to dictate the rhythm of the game. Ashour's early goal not only showcased his talents, positioning him atop the league's scoring chart with seven goals but also set the tone for the rest of the match as Ahly continued to attack.
Despite having several opportunities to increase their lead, including attempts from Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed "Afsha" Magdy, Ahly couldn't convert their chances due to missed precision. The momentums shifted slightly after halftime, with Petrojet pushing forward for an equalizer, leaving gaps at the back.
Helped by fresh legs from substitutes such as Mohamed Abdallah and Karim Walid, Koller’s side found the back of the net once more when Abdallah assisted Gradisar, who coolly finished from close range.
Even as Petrojet struggled against the defending champions, they remained resilient. Farouk's late goal offered them some consolation and indicated their fighting spirit as they pressed Ahly following Gradisar's strike.
Commenting after the match, Koller expressed confidence amid his team's challenging circumstances, stating, "We have to be ready, even with our challenges. It’s tough, but our objective remains the same—to win and get back to the top."
Conversely, Petrojet's football director Mohamed Ayman voiced optimism about their performance against such strong competitors, saying, "Ahly is a great team and the reigning league champion, but we are well-prepared, and our players are ready to compete." His sentiments reflect Petrojet's steady rise since their promotion.
Looking forward, Ahly prepares to face Ghazl El-Mahalla next on Tuesday, seeking to extend their lead, as they remain focused on their title defense. Meanwhile, Petrojet will aim to bounce back from this defeat, reflecting on their previous performances and readying themselves for upcoming challenges.