The Egyptian Premier League witnessed a thrilling encounter on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as Al Ahly faced off against Petrojet at the Military College Stadium. The match was particularly significant as it marked the first official challenge for Al Ahly's new head coach, Emad Al-Nahhas, who took over after the departure of Marcel Koller. With fans eager to see how the team would respond following a disappointing exit from the African Champions League, the stakes were high.
Al Ahly entered the match looking to mend their relationship with supporters after a series of unsatisfactory results, including a recent 1-1 draw against Pyramids. Currently sitting second in the league with 40 points, they were four points behind the leaders, Pyramids. The team had been absent from league action for 18 days, providing them ample time to regroup and strategize under their new management.
Coach Al-Nahhas emphasized the importance of securing all three points, stating, "We need to focus and correct our course to keep the title within our reach for a third consecutive season." He relied on a talented roster, including key players like Moroccan winger Ashraf Bencharki, playmaker Imam Ashour, and the promising Palestinian striker Wisam Abu Ali, alongside the speedy Slovenian forward Nika Gradisar.
Conversely, Petrojet, under the guidance of coach Sayed Eid, entered the match with the hope of breaking their historical winless streak against Al Ahly. Eid had faced Al Ahly six times previously, with no victories to show for it, managing only three goals while conceding 18. The team was positioned eighth in the league with 25 points, having secured one win and suffered one loss in their recent matches.
As the match kicked off at 8:00 PM local time, fans from both sides filled the stadium with anticipation. The excitement in the air was palpable, with everyone eager to see if Al Ahly could bounce back and if Petrojet could finally claim a coveted victory against their rivals.
In the 58th minute, the game took a dramatic turn when Rashad Al-Metwali scored the first goal for Petrojet, sending shockwaves through the Al Ahly supporters. This goal not only put Petrojet ahead but also intensified the pressure on Al Ahly to respond quickly. The crowd erupted, and the players rallied, determined to fight back.
As the clock ticked down, Al Ahly pushed forward, seeking an equalizer. The atmosphere grew tense as they created several scoring opportunities, but Petrojet's defense held firm, showcasing resilience under pressure. Al Ahly's players, including captain Mohamed El-Shenawy, were relentless, but the equalizing goal remained elusive.
Throughout the match, the officiating was handled by referee Mohamed Maarouf, assisted by Mohamed Magdy Suleiman and Omar Fathy, with Hossni Sultan serving as the fourth official. VAR responsibilities were managed by Mohamed El-Shenawy, supported by Shihab El-Kobri, ensuring that the match was conducted fairly and within the rules.
Despite Al Ahly's attempts to turn the tide, Petrojet's defense proved to be a formidable obstacle. The final whistle blew, sealing a hard-fought victory for Petrojet, a result that would surely impact the dynamics of the league standings. For Al Ahly, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, further complicating their quest for the title.
As the dust settled, both teams reflected on the match's implications. Al Ahly's fans voiced their concerns, while Petrojet celebrated a historic win that could be a turning point for their season. Coach Sayed Eid expressed his joy, stating, "This victory is a testament to our hard work and determination. We hope to build on this momentum moving forward." Meanwhile, Al-Nahhas faced the media, acknowledging the need for improvement and adjustments in the coming matches.
The Egyptian Premier League continues to deliver excitement and drama, with each match shaping the narrative of the season. As Al Ahly looks to regroup and refocus, Petrojet aims to capitalize on their newfound confidence. The competition remains fierce, and fans are eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
