The Egyptian Premier League is heating up, and recent match results coupled with some alarming administrative setbacks have captured everyone’s attention. This past week, supporters witnessed thrilling encounters and fierce competition, especially as clubs vie for top positions.
On Wednesday, February 26, Modern Sport FC faced off against Gouna, where it turned out to be quite the spectacle. Gouna clinched the victory with a heart-stopping score of 3-2. The match saw goals from Ahmed Atef, who scored twice (72' penalty, 84'), after Mahmoud Rizk’s own goal (13') and Tolulope Samuel Ojo's effort (23') had put Gouna on the back foot early. Favour Akem added another goal for Gouna at the 50-minute mark, establishing Gouna’s dominance on the field.
Later on Wednesday, Haras El-Hodoud went head-to-head with Ahly, but the hosts suffered heartbreak as Achraf Bencharki found the back of the net during stoppage time, securing the game for Ahly with a score of 1-0.
Ismaily faced Pharco FC and also met with disappointment, as they succumbed to a 2-0 loss. Yassin El-Mallah (65') and Azmi Ghouma (68') delivered the decisive strikes for Pharco, leaving Ismaily searching for answers.
The league action continued on Thursday, February 27, with Smouha squaring off against Masry. Smouha was unable to stop the rampage as they fell 0-3. Salah Mohsen led the charge for Masry, scoring with brilliance at 5 minutes and again just before halftime (45+1'). The final touch was provided by John Ebuka (90+1'), sealing yet another triumph against Smouha.
Talae El-Geish and NBE Club shared the spoils after battling to a 2-2 draw. Hamed Khalid and Youssry Wahid’s goals put Geish on the board (27', 58'), but NBE Club fought back with Osama Faisal (84') and Ahmed Yasser Rayyan scoring from the penalty spot at 90+11', tying the game.
Meanwhile, Zamalek managed to salvage one point against ZED FC, with Nasser Mansi (45+5') equalizing after Mostafa Ziko had opened the scoring for ZED (25').
Fast forward to Friday, February 28, Ghazl El-Mahalla put forth a stellar performance, thrashing Enppi 3-0. Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda (22'), Abdo Yehia (45+2'), and Abdul-Rahman Al-Rashidi (80') propelled their team to victory.
Ceramica Cleopatra showed no signs of slowing down with their impressive 4-1 win over Petrojet. Islam Issa (9'), Mahmoud Zalaka (36'), Ahmed Kendouci (40'), and Mohamed Reda (82') all contributed to this dominant display, with Ismaila Bamba scoring Petrojet's only goal at the 11-minute mark.
Meanwhile, Ittihad of Alexandria faced the storm as they fell 1-3 to Pyramids FC. Emmanuel Apeh netted for Alexandria (79'), but they were overshadowed by Pyramids' Ibrahim Adel (45+1'), Mostafa Fathi (56' penalty), and Fiston Mayele (77'). The loss puts Ittihad's hopes at risk.
Adding to the drama, Pyramids FC, currently at the top of the league, has found themselves facing FIFA sanctions. The club has been placed on FIFA's transfer ban list due to their failure to secure the required documentation for Tolulope Samuel Ojo, who is on loan at El Gouna.
The imposition of this ban creates significant hurdles for Pyramids FC as they approach the transfer window - restricting them from registering new players could jeopardize their title chances. According to various reports, Ojo’s situation has prompted FIFA's action. If Pyramids cannot demonstrate compliance, the transfer ban will remain until they can fulfill FIFA regulations.
This sanction isn’t unique to Pyramids FC, as other clubs, including Pharco, Ismaily, Eastern Company, and ASwan SC, have encountered similar issues leading to transfer bans. Many are voicing concerns over the administrative challenges plaguing Egyptian football, emphasizing the need for alignment with FIFA regulations to compete more fairly and effectively.
With teams striving to secure victory and maintain competitive edges, the spotlight remains firmly on both the pitch and the boardroom as the Egyptian Premier League progresses through its intense season.
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