Ceramica Cleopatra secures hold on top spot with Nile League victory

Fagrie Lakay scored a brace on Thursday to help surprise Egyptian Nile League leaders Ceramica Cleopatra strengthen their grip on top spot with a 3-1 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla.

Fagrie Lakay 🇿🇦 with the rocket! 🚀🚀🚀

The former Bafana forward and Cape Town City star scored twice in Ceramica Cleopatra’s Nile League victory over Ghazl El Mahalla.

They are surprise leaders, ahead of Al Ahly, Zamalek & Pyramids FC after 16 games.pic.twitter.com/3tmrIedDV0

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) February 5, 2026

The former Pyramids FC and Cape Town City forward doubled his tally this season, beginning with an impressive 16th minute strike from distance to open the scoring.

Visitors Mahalla responded before the half hour mark through Burundian forward Abdi Ineza but the hosts restored their advantage before halftime when Kalawa Amr, assisted by a free kick from another former Pyramids attacker, Nigerian Sodiq Awujoola.

جووووول!

عمرو قلاوة يعيد التقدم سريعاً لسيراميكا كليوباترا ⚽ pic.twitter.com/Aa9MbbUPh0

— Kora Plus (@KoraPlusEG) February 5, 2026

Lakay’s second goal was more of a typical poacher’s effort. With the visitors pushing hard for an equalizer, the South African latched onto a pass behind the defense and finished from the rebound after his initial effort was denied by Mahalla goalkeeper Mohamed Amer. Deep into stoppage time, Mahalla found a consolation goal to limit their defeat to a one-goal deficit.

How Ceramica Cleopatra seized the initiative in the Nile League

Taking care of victories against lesser opposition has left with Ceramica Cleopatra with a seven-point lead while Egypt’s traditional heavyweights battle amongst each other. Zamalek, Al Ahly and Pyramids FC have two games in hand on the leaders due to their CAF interclub duties but top spot is secure for now.

However, the big spenders based in Giza have endured two defeats against Ahly and Zamalek, leaving the question of if they can reach the necessary level to obtain points against these opponents when it matters most later in the campaign.

Earlier in the day, Haras El Hodoud and Pharco FC played to a 2-2 draw and Arab Contractors earned three points away from home with a 1-0 result over Wadi Degla.