Hussein El Shahat’s hat-trick powers Al Ahly to emphatic win over Pharco

Al Ahly secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Pharco at Borg El Arab Stadium, in the sixth round of Group A of the Egyptian League Cup (Egypt Capital Cup), keeping their qualification hopes alive.

The Red Devils opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Hussein El Shahat, after Slovene forward Nejc Gradisar capitalized on a defensive error, won the ball and sent a low cross inside the box, allowing El Shahat to slot the ball into an empty net.

El Shahat doubled Al Ahly’s advantage in the 42nd minute, finishing off another low cross. Gradisar led the move before Mohamed Abdallah delivered a low cross, which El Shahat converted with his right foot.

Al Ahly continued their dominance after the break, as Nejc Gradisar made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute, finishing from inside the box following an assist from El Shahat.

The star winger then completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute, showing an individual skill then a precise low shot to seal Al Ahly’s fourth goal.

Pharco managed to pull one back in the 66th minute through substitute Mahmoud Farhat, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.

With this result, Al Ahly recorded their second win in the group stage, moving up to six points and climbing to fourth place in the standings, keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Meanwhile, Pharco concluded their group-stage campaign with nine points after suffering their third defeat in the competition. The team will now wait for the outcomes of other groups to determine their fate in the race for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

Group A Standings – Egyptian League Cup

1. Tala’ea El Gaish – Played 5 | 10 points

2. ENPPI – Played 4 | 9 points

3. Pharco – Played 6 | 9 points

4. Al Ahly – Played 5 | 6 points

5. Arab Contractors – Played 4 | 5 points

6. Ghazl El Mahalla – Played 4 | 4 points

7. Ceramica Cleopatra – Played 4 | 3 points

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