Photo credit: Modern Sport FC.
The first round of the Nile Egyptian League's title-deciding phase and relegation battle kicked off with three matches.
A fixture took place in the championship round, while two others shaped the fight for survival.
Title Decider Matches
Haras El Hodoud 1-2 Petrojet
Petrojet secured an away victory over Haras El Hodoud, winning 2-1.
Rashad Metwally opened the scoring for Petrojet in the 27th minute from the penalty spot.
Three minutes later, Khaled Abou Ziada doubled the lead with a beautiful shot from the edge of the box.
Haras El Hodoud pulled one back in the 70th minute through Mohamed Mamdouh, who converted a clever backheel assist from Mohamed Farouk inside the penalty area.
This marks Haras El Hodoud’s third consecutive league defeat. The first match between the teams had ended in a 2-2 draw.
Current Standings:
Petrojet moves up to 6th place with 25 points.
Cairo Derby Controversy
The Cairo Derby between Zamalek and Al Ahly was scheduled to take place, but Al Ahly refused to participate due to the appointment of an Egyptian refereeing crew.
Zamalek and the match officials arrived at the stadium, but Al Ahly did not.
As a result, the match was canceled, and per league regulations, Al Ahly is expected to be handed a 2-0 defeat and deducted three additional points as a disciplinary measure.
Relegation Battle Matches
Modern Sport 2-0 Smouha
Modern Sport finally ended their winless streak with a 2-0 victory at home against Smouha.
Arnold Eba broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a rebound from the goalkeeper. Ahmed Atef showcased clever skill in controlling the ball and shooting inside the box before Eba finished.
Substitute Mohamed Mossad doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a header following a clever run and a cross from Ahmed Atef again.
This was Modern Sport’s first win in nine matches (eight in the league) and only their second league victory of the season.
The first encounter between the teams saw Smouha claim a 1-0 victory.
Current Standings:
Smouha: 4th place with 20 points.
Modern Sport: 9th place with 12 points.
Note: The bottom two teams (8th and 9th place) will be relegated to the second division.
El Gouna 2-0 Al Ittihad Alexandria
El Gouna continued their very good form with a 2-0 home win over Al Ittihad Alexandria.
Ali El-Zahdi opened the scoring in the 66th minute with a header.
Mohamed Emad sealed the victory in the 79th minute with a finish inside the box after receiving a well-placed pass from Mohamed El-Nahas.
El Gouna is now unbeaten in four consecutive matches (3 victories and a draw), while Al Ittihad suffered their fourth straight league defeat.
The reverse fixture had ended in a 1-0 win for Al Ittihad.
Current Standings:
El Gouna: 3rd place with 20 points.
Al Ittihad Alexandria: 5th place with 18 points.
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