Al Ahly survive late Zamalek comeback to retain Egyptian Super Cup
By: Sherif El Hakim
Al Ahly retained the Egyptian Super Cup on Friday after defeating Zamalek in a 3-2 thriller at Borg El Arab Stadium.
The Red Devils broke the deadlock early on, after Nigerian international Junior Ajayi scored with a powerful strike from a Ali Maaloul cross.
A mistake by Zamalek’s veteran fullback, Mohamed Abdel Shafy, allowed Hussein El Shahat to slot home Al Ahly’s second goal of the night from point blank range.
Ajayi continued his fine form by scoring early in the second half to grab his brace. On loan winger Ramadan Sobhi played the ball through to Ajayi, before the Nigerian expertly turned away from his defender to finish the ball.
Two injuries to Ahly’s back four allowed Zamalek to creep back into the game, just as the Reds seemed to have the game under control.
The White Knight’s pulled on back through a Mahmoud Alaa penalty, after Al Ahly goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shennawy, brought down Mostafa Mohamed inside the box.
Zamalek continued their comeback with another Alaa penalty, after Mohamed once again won another penalty, as he was tackled by new Ahly signing Hamdi Fathi.
Despite Zamalek’s late efforts, the Red Devils held on to claim a record 11thEgyptian Super Cup.
The Reds began the night with a strong starting XI, which consisted of Ajayi up top, while El Shahat and Sobhi occupied the wings. However, Zamalek played with no recognized striker, as Moroccan international Mohamed Ounajem was tasked with the role.
Both managers got a taste of their first Cairo derby, Zamalek named Micho as their new manager on August 17ththis year, while Al Ahly appointed Rene Weiler on August 31st.
Al Ahly will look to retain their league title and claim their record 42ndtitle when they kick start their 2019/20 league campaign versus Smouha. The White Knights will host Ittihad of Alexandria in game week one.
