Al Ahly SC faced Ghazl El Mahalla on Tuesday evening, with the anticipation building for this matchup as part of the Egyptian Premier League's thirteenth round. The match, held at the famed Al Salam Stadium, saw Al Ahly, led by Swiss coach Marcel Koller, aiming to solidify their position as they sat second on the league table.
The game kicked off with both teams eager to establish dominance. Al Ahly entered the clash with 26 points, accrued from 12 matches, marking 7 victories, 5 draws, and conceding only 8 goals. Meanwhile, Ghazl El Mahalla was struggling lower on the table, holding just 11 points and sitting at 15th position, after managing 3 wins, 2 draws, and facing defeat 7 times.
From the outset, Al Ahly seemed determined. Right at the first minute, Karim El Dabees tested the water with a strong shot, flashing over the bar, followed closely by another attempt from Mohamed Magdy Afsha, which was skillfully saved by Mahalla's goalkeeper, Amer Amer. The Al Ahly lineup featured key players such as Ibrahim Ashour, who had previously gained attention for his free-kick abilities, alongside other stars including Hussein El Shahat and Afsha. Koller opted for what seemed like the strongest squad he could field, missing some pivotal players due to injuries.
Historically, Al Ahly has dominated this matchup, having won 55 out of 97 encounters since Ghazl El Mahalla's ascension to the Premier League back in the 1956-57 season. Their previous meetings saw Al Ahly score 133 goals compared to Mahalla's 55, with notable matches including several 4-0 victories by Al Ahly.
The importance of this match could not be overstated for both teams. Al Ahly aimed to keep the pressure on the top of the league, particularly on current leaders Pyramids who were merely one point away. Conversely, Ghazl El Mahalla desperately needed points to escape the relegation zone, seeking to build on their recent victory over Modern Sports.
During the match, tensions ran high as neither team could break the deadlock early on. The midfield battle intensified, with both sides striving to control the pace of the game. It wasn't until the second half, around the 56-minute mark, when Al Ahly finally found the back of the net, courtesy of Ashour's expertly taken free kick. The goal burst the dam of anticipation, sending the Al Ahly supporters in the stadium and behind screens across the nation to erupt.
Despite the goal, Ghazl El Mahalla rallied and sought to respond quickly. Coach Koller had prepared his team for such moments, but the urgency from Mahalla's side highlighted their never-say-die attitude. They pushed hard for equalizers, but Al Ahly's defensive line, marshalled by Mohamad El Shenawy, stood firm against the barrage.
Al Ahly's victory was not just pivotal for their campaign—maintaining momentum means they remain on the heels of Pyramids, continuing to chase the top spot vigorously. For Ghazl El Mahalla, they faced another setback, deepening the fight against relegation. With their moment of glory sighted yet again, they need to reassess their strategies if they are to stay afloat this season.
The aftermath of this match leaves fans reflecting on the sheer unpredictability of football. Al Ahly, with their capable arsenal of talent, is always seen as the team to beat, and with Koller at the helm, strategies will likely shift as the league progresses. Ghazl El Mahalla and their fans can only hope for turning fortunes as the season reaches its climax, and with each match, they inch closer toward either triumphant renewal or relegation fears.