This week was all about the clash of the titans as Al Ahly were held at a 1-1 draw at home to Zamalek in the Cairo derby, denying the defending champions a chance to narrow the gap at the top.
Third-placed Pyramids lost ground on the top two with a surprise home defeat, while National Bank’s hopes of staying up took another dent as they were beaten by Ismaily.
Top two share the points
Reigning champions Al Ahly entered the match as slight favourites, knowing that a victory in this six-pointer would put them just one point behind Zamalek with two games in hand. Yet it was Zamalek who controlled most of the match, having 14 shots compared to to 10 for the home team.
The deadlock was eventually broken though by Al Ahly in the 73rd minute, when Egyptian international forward Salah Mohsen put the home team in front.
No Caption Needed 🙂#YallaYaAhly pic.twitter.com/2RyamOOQzG
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) May 10, 2021
The lead though was short-lived with Zamalek and Tunisia midfielder Ferjani Sassi scored the all-important equalizer in the 80th minute. Despite an intense final 10 minutes there were to be no more goals.
What does it mean?
The top remain the same with Zamalek four points ahead of Al Ahly, although the later having two games in hand. Zamalek will probably be the happier of the two sides as the onus was on the hosts to win the game and close the gap.
📸: Derby shots 🏹#Zamalek #MostTitledIn20C pic.twitter.com/dAlcf0Xp6u
— Zamalek SC English (@ZSCOfficial_EN) May 10, 2021
Pyramids vs Ceramica Cleopatra
With the Egyptian Premier League already looking like a two horse race and with the top two seeing out a draw, Pyramids missed a vital chance at staying in contention after they were beaten 4-2 by Ceramica Cleopatra.
Pyramids took the lead in the 17th minute through a penalty courtesy of Egyptian International and former Stoke City forward Ramadan Sobhi, with his seventh of the season.
Ceramica Cleopatra though replied in spectacular fashion with a 44th minute equalizer through Shady Hussein, followed by two quick fire goals from Ahmed Yasser Rayyan either side of the interval. Ravyan, the 23 year old son of former Egypt international Yasser Rayyan is now joint top scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals.
Ahmed Mohsen scored a fourth in the 53rd minute, before Pyramids managed a consolation goal through veteran forward Mohamed El Gabbas in the 83rd minute.
What does it mean?
Pyramids missed an opportunity to close the gap on the top two and are now 11 points adrift of top spot.
Ceramica Cleopatra are now in sixth place, and are just three points behind third and are on an impressive five match unbeaten league run.
Ismaily’s incredible run continues
Ismaily’s stunning recent form continued with yet another win, beating strugglers National Bank 2-0.
After winning last week’s six-pointer against bottom side El Entag El Harby SC, National Bank entered this home match with high hopes against an in-form Ismaily side.
But Ehab Galal’s side made it four wins on the trot with an accomplished display.
Ismaily dominated the match with 15 shots to a paltry four for the home team.
Tunisian forward Fakhreddine Ben Youssef broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, before a last minute goal from Ary Papel sealed the game.
What does it mean?
National Bank remain in the bottom three, three points from Aswan who have a game in hand. Ismaily’s remarkable run of form continues. After just one win from their first 17 games, they have won four in a row and are now up to 13th.
