Al Ahly secured a narrow victory over Ghazl El Mahalla, winning 1-0 during their latest Egyptian Premier League clash at the Cairo International Stadium on February 11, 2025. The match, part of the league's 13th round, saw Emam Ashour score the decisive goal, enhancing Al Ahly's title ambitions.
The match was tightly contested, reflecting the desperation of both teams. Al Ahly needed the win to keep pace with league leaders Pyramids, whereas Ghazl El Mahalla was battling to escape the dreaded relegation zone. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, as fans from both sides filled the stands, hoping to witness their teams shine.
Emam Ashour, who has increasingly become the attacking engine for Al Ahly, showcased his skills again. Having already tallied seven goals this season, his ability to dominate the midfield and craft opportunities was pivotal. His free kick, which found the back of the net, proved to be the only goal of the match. "We started the match against Al Mahalla spinning very well, and since the first whistle we had more than one opportunity but we did not score the goals... I am happy with our victory in the match," said Al Ahly's coach Marcel Koller post-game.
Meanwhile, Ghazl El Mahalla seemed distressed throughout the match. Striker Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda's efforts to breach Al Ahly's defense fell short as the team struggled to assert themselves. Despite his physical prowess and goal-scoring reputation, the Tunisian striker could not affect the outcome. Ghazl El Mahalla's record of conceding 19 goals, the highest among teams this season, indicates the challenges they face defensively.
Prior to this match, Al Ahly had positioned themselves second on the league table with 29 points, just one point behind Pyramids, who lead the league. Their attacking potency has lifted them through the ranks, scoring 21 goals across 12 games. Yet, not all is smooth sailing for the Cairo giants, who have shown signs of defensive frailty, failing to keep a clean sheet over the past five matches.
The match indicated tactical adjustments made by Koller. Starting strong with several early chances, Al Ahly shifted their game plan at halftime, asserting control and allowing Ashour to exploit free kick situations effectively. This change proved fruitful, culminating with the lone goal. Koller commented, "We changed the way to play between the two halves, and we saw the result of our adjustments. We succeeded in scoring a good goal after practicing the free kick scenario yesterday."
The legendary Cairo International Stadium served as the backdrop for this match. Opened in 1960 and with the capacity to host 75,000 fans, it provided a vibrant atmosphere, characteristic of Egyptian football. The venue has witnessed countless historic moments, making it the perfect stage for Al Ahly to showcase their talent against Ghazl El Mahalla.
Despite the loss, Ghazl El Mahalla remains hopeful as they face the rest of the season. Their mixed performances have left them precariously positioned at 15th place, only just above the relegation zone with only 11 points from 13 matches. The inconsistency displayed suggests urgent need for improvement to escape potential relegation troubles.
Looking to the future, Al Ahly aims to maintain their push for the title, focusing on solidifying their defense and continuing to convert chances as effectively as they have been. The competitive nature of the Egyptian Premier League mandates every team to perform at their peak; for Al Ahly, this win against Ghazl El Mahalla is just the latest step toward potential glory.
Remarkably, Koller emphasized the need to keep his team mentally sharp, especially as the season progresses. "We need to build on this victory and focus on each match one at a time. Consistency will be key if we aim to take the title this year," he stated.
The victory not only boosts morale but also sends out the league’s strongest warning yet: Al Ahly is not to be overlooked as they eye the top of the table and the return to glory in Egyptian football.