Al Ahly go top with 2-1 win over Ittihad Alexandria

Al Ahly moved to the top of the Egyptian Premier League table after a 2-1 victory over Ittihad Alexandria in the 11th round of the domestic competition at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

The defending champions now lead the standings with 21 points from 10 matches. Al Ahly dominated from the outset, with Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed and Mohamed Hani missing early scoring chances.

Their pressure paid off in the 15th minute when Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki fired home from inside the area following a well-timed assist by Zizo, who delivered a precise pass from the right wing.

Ittihad nearly equalised in the 30th minute, but Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a brave save to deny Abubakar Liadi's close-range header.

Five minutes before the break, Ittihad striker Favour Akem sent a powerful effort just wide of the left post, as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. However, Al Ahly held on to a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Al Ahly continued to control the tempo in the second half, and Zizo doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute from the penalty spot. Ittihad responded quickly, with Fadi Farid pulling one back in the 69th minute after a well-placed assist from Akem.

Al Ahly were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute after midfielder Ahmed 'Koka' Nabil was shown a second yellow card.

Head coach Jess Thorup introduced Mohamed Shoukry, Omar Kamal and Taher Mohamed Taher to reinforce the attack.

Ittihad of Alexandria also reduced to 10 men, four minutes before the final whistle when Karim El Dib was shown a second yellow card.

Midfielder Mohamed Ben Romdhane came close to adding a third late on, but Ittihad goalkeeper Sobhi Soliman tipped his powerful strike over the bar.

Despite missing six key players through injury, Al Ahly held on to secure a vital win that sees them climb to the summit of the league.

Next up, Al Ahly face Burundi’s Aigle Noir in the second leg of their CAF Champions League tie on Saturday.