Pitso Mosimane and Al Ahly have celebrated an important victory over bitter rivals Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Sunday night.
Both teams are playing catch up in the Egyptian Premier League after playing three successive CAF Champions League games and one Egyptian Cup fixture since their last league game before the derby.
As a consequence, Al Ahly entered the game with seven catch-up games while Zamalek had four matches in hand.
Al Ahly started the game strong, being the dominant side in the first 20 minutes and deservedly found the opener in the 22nd minute tanks to a fine strike by Mohamed Sherif from close range.
However, Zamalek captain Shikabala equalized a few minutes later for the hosts following a stunning strike in the top corner.
Al Ahly, though, pounced back immediately, with Sherif completing his brace with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Zamalek were awarded a penalty after VAR review in the 56th minute but Ali Lofti, in goal for Al Ahly captain El Shenawi who was sidedlined with COVID, saved the shot from Mahmoud Alaa.
Patrice Cateron’s men kept on pushing for an equalizer but the visitors defended their slander lead thanks to another brilliant save by Lofti in in 94th minute to move into second place on the log – three points behind the white knights with three games in hand over the league leaders.
