The Egyptian Premier League witnessed another gripping encounter as Al Ahly faced off against Al Masry on December 26, 2024, at the Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria. With high stakes for both teams, this match was pivotal not just for points but for momentum as the season progressed.
Al Ahly entered the match seeking to gain ground on the league leaders after enduring patchy performances this season. Currently, they stood sixth, having gathered 8 points from four matches, longing for consistency to climb the ranks and challenge for the title. Their confidence surged recently after defeating Young Boys 6-1, which revitalized spirits after earlier setbacks like the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Pachuca at the Club World Cup.
Conversely, Al Masry was standing strong at the top of the league alongside Zamalek and Pyramids FC, each boasting 11 points. A victory against the historical rivals would not only solidify their position but also send a message to their challengers. Under the tactical mind of coach Ali Maher, the players were focused on utilizing their home advantage and leveraging the support from their passionate fans.
The match kicked off at 8:00 PM Cairo time, and from the outset, both teams displayed great intensity. Al Masry pressured Al Ahly early, probing for weaknesses but finding Al Ahly’s defensive line jelled well, thwarting initial attacks. Commentators noted, "Al Masry will make the most of their home advantage and look to strike early."
The first 15 minutes passed with both teams testing each other’s defenses, leading to several set pieces, but neither side could convert the chances they created. A turning point came when Al Ahly’s creative midfielder, Yahiya Atiyah Allah, whipped in a stunning free kick from the right side, which caught the Al Masry defense off guard, resulting in the first goal of the match at the 39-minute mark. It marked Atiyah's first goal since joining the club, igniting celebrations among the visiting supporters.
Halftime arrived with Al Ahly holding onto their narrow 1-0 lead, putting them firmly back on track to secure the points they desperately needed. Data retrospectively highlighted, "Al Ahly maintains historical dominance over Al Masry, having won 71 out of 127 encounters with 20 victories for their opponents, making this match all the more significant for both clubs," reported Egyptian local sports analysts.
After the break, the urgency picked up. Al Masry regrouped, knowing they had to strike back quickly if they wanted to maintain their lead. A flurry of attacks brought them closer, but Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy, was quick to respond, making decisive saves to keep Al Masry at bay.
Throughout the second half, both coaches adjusted their tactics, with Al Masry introducing fresh legs to fuel their attack. Still, Al Ahly held their ground, leveraging their experience and resilience to counter every offensive play Al Masry initiated.
"Al Ahly needs this victory to rise up the league table," commented the Cairo-based sports analyst, emphasizing the psychological battle waged on the field. With each minute passing and the match clock waning, tensions ran high. The final minutes saw Al Masry generate significant pressure, leading to some nail-biting moments as they sought equalizing goals.
Dispatching full-time at 90 minutes led to referee announcements confirming the results. Al Ahly celebrated their hard-fought victory, keeping their hopes alive, and pushing them closer to league contention. Assistant Coach reflected on the win stating, "This is the sort of performance we need. We showed composure and skill against formidable opponents today."
This match will undoubtedly play a significant role as both teams continue to shape their seasons. Al Masry, remaining formidable challengers this season, will now focus on bouncing back, demonstrating their strength and fighting spirit, as they look to reclaim points swiftly through upcoming fixtures.
The result places Al Ahly at 11 points, now tied with Al Masry, creating fierce competition as the season continues, stirring anticipation for forthcoming match-ups between these two historic clubs.
