Al-Masry faced off against their historic rivals Al-Ahly on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the New Suez Stadium, where emotions were high and stakes higher. The match, pivotal for both teams as they aim to climb the ranks of the Egyptian Premier League, concluded with Al-Ahly securing a narrow victory over Al-Masry, with the final score reading 2-1.
This clash saw Al-Ahly's potent attack tackle Al-Masry's defensive strategies. The first half began with early chances for both sides. It was Al-Ahly who drew first blood; they scored their opening goal through star striker Mohamed Sherif. His clinical finish came as he expertly converted a pass from playmaker Aliou Faty, leaving the Al-Masry defenders scrambling.
By the 32nd minute, Al-Masry began to find their rhythm, pushing hard against the Al-Ahly backline. Star player Adam El-Noor almost equalized with a volley, but his effort skimmed just past the post. The first half ended with Al-Ahly holding onto their lead, but not without signs of pressure from their opponents.
The second half kicked off with Al-Masry ramping up their offensive efforts. It wasn't long before their perseverance paid off. Just after the break, Khaled Sobhi leveled the match for Al-Masry. Gathering the ball outside the box, he unleashed a magnificent strike, sending it curling past the reach of Al-Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.
Both teams fought fiercely, but it was the defending champions who found their winning goal late. An exquisite pass by Mohamed Magdy Kahraba found Aliou Faty who, with remarkable composure, slotted the ball home, reigniting the Al-Ahly support. The stadium erupted as Faty charged toward the corner flag to celebrate, showcasing the electric rivalry between the two sides.
Post-match reactions highlighted the fierce competition and changing momentum throughout the game. Al-Ahly's head coach expressed pride over his team’s resilience, stating, “This match showcases our ability to remain composed under pressure and seize opportunities.” Meanwhile, Al-Masry's manager lamented missed chances but acknowledged his team's effort, emphasizing, “We will learn from this and come back stronger.”
For Al-Masry, the defeat meant relinquishing ground in the league standings. With the loss, they remain fifth, needing to regroup quickly as they face upcoming challenges. Al-Ahly, on the other hand, climbed the rankings and solidified their position at the top, demonstrating their thirst for yet another title.
Looking forward, Al-Masry is set to compete against Enppi on January 27, 2025, at the New Suez Stadium, hoping to bounce back swiftly. Meanwhile, Al-Ahly will prepare to defend their dominance against Zamalek, which promises to be another exhilarating affair.
Fans on both sides understood the significance of this match, and it did not disappoint. With tactical brilliance and emotional investments, the rivalry between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly continues to live up to its legendary status, fueling the passion of Egyptian football.