Al Ahly ease past Ceramica Cleopatra 1-0 in Egyptian League Cup

Al Ahly edged past Ceramica Cleopatra 1-0 in the second round of the Egyptian League Cup group stage at Arab Contractors Stadium on Friday.

Both sides began cautiously, with Ceramica Cleopatra squandering early chances through Nigerian winger Sodiq Awujoola and forward Marwan Othman.

Al Ahly midfielder Ahmed Reda tested the defence with a powerful effort in the 22nd minute, but it was blocked by a well-organised Ceramica back line.

Striker Mohamed Sherif followed up soon after, sending another attempt wide for a corner.

Al Ahly maintained the pressure and took the lead in the 35th minute when winger Taher Mohamed Taher headed home from a wide cross by Omar Kamal.

Sherif went close again a minute before halftime, firing from inside the box, but goalkeeper Bassam turned the effort behind for a corner.

Ceramica Cleopatra pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Al Ahly’s defence held firm.

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup introduced youngsters Omar Mowad, Hamza Abdelkarim and Ibrahim Adel in the second half to freshen the attack and rotate his squad in the secondary competition.