Rabat – Al Ahly secured a comfortable 30 win over rivals Zamalek SC, with Achraf Bencherki stealing the show by delivering two goals and an assist to settle the Cairo Derby.
The Reds came into the match looking to respond after their 3-0 loss in the previous round against Pyramids. The match began with Zamalek trying to take control early through Dabbagh, but without troubling goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
Al Ahly quickly imposed the tempo, benefiting from a defensive mistake in the 18th minute. Taher Mohamed Taher stepped in and delivered a precise cross that Achraf Bencharki headed into the net to open the scoring.
Zamalek found it difficult to recover, and Al Ahly continued to press high while waiting for an error. The second goal came before halftime after another lack of concentration from Ahmed Fattouh. This time, Hussein El Shahat finished with a well placed chip into the net to make it 2-–0. Despite a few attempts from Zamalek, including a dangerous ball cleared by Yassine Marei, Al Ahly went into the break firmly in control.
In the 52nd minute, Zamalek were awarded a penalty after a foul by Hady Riyad, only for it to be missed by Abdelmaguid after a wonderful save by Shobeir.
The white knights kept on pushing forward but lacked precision and concentration. Al Ahly nearly extended their lead earlier when Mahmoud Trezeguet struck the post from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after a VAR review.
The result was secured when Bencharki struck again. He delivered a confident finish after a pass from Emam Ashour to complete his cap off performance in the 74th minute, showing class both as a scorer and creator, and going back home with a well deserved Man of the Match award.
Al Ahly sit third on 47 points, just three behind leaders Zamalek and Pyramids, keeping the title race wide open. For Zamalek, the defeat highlights childish defensive mistakes and missed chances at a crucial stage of the season. Nevertheless, they remain top of the league on goal difference.
