Al Ahly bounce back with win over Pharco in Nile Egyptian League

Al Ahly SC returned to winning ways on Friday in the Nile Egyptian League with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Pharco in Round 2 at Cairo International Stadium.

Mohamed Sherif put the hosts ahead in the 10th minute with a close-range header after right-back Mohamed Hany’s low cross deflected off a Pharco defender. The goal was Sherif’s 60th for Al Ahly in all competitions, coming in his 153rd appearance for the club. He has also reached 60 career goals in the Egyptian Premier League, scored across spells with Al Ahly, ENPPI, and Wadi Degla.

Trezeguet had a goal ruled out for offside in the 18th minute, but Al Ahly doubled their lead just three minutes later through new signing Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” who headed in a cross from Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.

Zizo struck again in the 59th minute, converting from inside the box after Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki beat his marker and delivered a low cross.

Pharco pulled one back in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier misjudged a ball going out for a corner, allowing former Al Ahly midfielder Mohamed Fakhry to slot into an empty net.

Substitute Nejc Gradisar sealed the win in the 81st minute, rounding the goalkeeper before finishing into an unguarded goal.

The match also saw an unusual red card for Mohamed Hany, who received a second yellow after ignoring the referee’s instructions to leave the pitch from the nearest point during a substitution and instead walking to the far side.

Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier retained his place in the starting lineup for a second consecutive match ahead of club legend Mohamed El Shenawy.

The victory lifts Al Ahly to four points, while Pharco remain on one. In the opening round, Al Ahly were held to a 2-2 draw by Modern Sport, and Pharco played out a goalless draw with ENPPI.

Elsewhere on Friday, Petrojet and top flight newcomers Kahraba Ismailia played to a 2-2 draw while Haras El Hodood edged National Bank by a 1-0 score.

Friday Results

Petrojet 2-2 Kahraba Ismailia

Al Ahly 4-1 Pharco

Haras El Hodood 1-0 National Bank