In an electrifying showdown at Burj Al Arab Stadium, Al-Ahly triumphed over Al-Masry Al-Boursaidi with a score of 4-2 on Thursday, May 8, 2025. This match was part of the fifth round of the Egyptian Premier League, and it showcased the resilience and skill of the Al-Ahly squad under the temporary management of Emad Al-Nahhas.
The game kicked off with an intense atmosphere as fans filled the stands, eager to witness a battle that could potentially shape the title race. Al-Masry struck first, with Salah Mohsen scoring a stunning header just six minutes into the match, capitalizing on a precise cross from Karim El Iraqi. The early goal sent shockwaves through the Al-Ahly camp, putting pressure on the team to respond quickly.
Despite the setback, Al-Ahly maintained composure and began to assert their dominance. The equalizer came in the 35th minute when Imam Ashour found the back of the net with a powerful shot from outside the box, following a well-placed pass from Wissam Abu Ali. This goal not only lifted the spirits of the players but also reignited the hopes of the Al-Ahly supporters.
As the first half drew to a close, Al-Ahly continued to press forward. In stoppage time, Taher Mohamed Taher showcased his poaching instincts by slotting home a rebound from Al-Masry's goalkeeper, Mahmoud Gad, after a fierce shot from Amr El-Soulia. This late goal gave Al-Ahly a 2-1 lead heading into halftime, a crucial moment that shifted the momentum of the match.
The second half began with Al-Ahly looking to extend their lead. They did just that in the 58th minute when Wissam Abu Ali scored a spectacular free-kick from outside the box, curling the ball into the top corner and leaving Gad with no chance. The goal was a testament to Al-Ahly's attacking prowess and their determination to assert their dominance in the league.
Al-Ahly's fourth goal came in the 78th minute when Imam Ashour converted a penalty after being brought down in the box. His calm finish not only solidified Al-Ahly's lead but also positioned him as a key player in the title race, as he now leads the league's scoring charts with 11 goals.
However, Al-Masry refused to back down easily. In the 81st minute, they managed to pull one back through Fakhr El-Din Ben Youssef, who scored with a well-timed header from a corner kick. This goal reignited the hopes of the Al-Masry fans, but time was against them as they struggled to find another goal.
Throughout the match, Al-Ahly's goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy, was instrumental in preserving their lead, making several key saves, particularly in the dying minutes when Al-Masry pushed for an equalizer. His performance was crucial in ensuring that Al-Ahly walked away with all three points.
With this victory, Al-Ahly climbed to the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings with 49 points, temporarily overtaking Pyramids, who were set to play shortly after. The win marked a significant achievement for Emad Al-Nahhas, who has now secured three consecutive victories since taking over the managerial role.
The match was officiated by Ahmed El-Ghandour, supported by his refereeing team, which included Ahmed Hossam and Hani Khairy as assistants. Their management of the game was largely praised, allowing for a competitive yet fair encounter.
As the league progresses, Al-Ahly's next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and fend off the competition from Pyramids and other challengers. Meanwhile, Al-Masry will need to regroup and refocus as they aim to secure a top-four finish, which would guarantee them a spot in the African Confederation Cup next season.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the talent present in both teams but also highlighted the intense rivalry that exists within Egyptian football. With the league title race heating up, fans can expect more exciting matches in the coming weeks as teams vie for supremacy.
In conclusion, Al-Ahly's 4-2 victory over Al-Masry was a testament to their resilience and skill, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the Egyptian Premier League season.