A first-half brace from Mohamed Fadl helped Ahli beat Military Production 2-1 in the Egyptian Cup semi finals on Thursday to set up a final with defending champions Harras Hodoud. Sameh Aidarous put Production ahead after 14 minutes but Fadl hit a leveler three minutes from the half-hour mark. The former Ismaili man scored Ahli's second four minutes from the interval to send his side through. Military outfit Hodoud reached the final earlier on the same day after defeating Ismaili 2-1. The final is taking place on Monday. Ahli haven't reached the cup final since 2007, when they were crowned champions after downing their arch-rivals Zamalek 4-3. The Red Devils, who won the Egyptian Premier League last season, are looking to secure their 14th double.
Unexpected Goal Ahli came on with all guns blazing, looking for an early opener, but their strategy backfired shortly after the kickoff. The Cairo giants' all-out attack made Production dangerous on the counter attack and the latter team took the lead as a result. Hassan Mousa went one-on-one with Sherif Ekrami. The Ahli goalie palmed his shot into the crossbar before the ball fell into the path of Aidarous who made no mistake from point-blank range. Ahli tried to reply instantly by piling up more pressure upfront and gaining more ball possession. Ahmed Fathi cannoned a fierce shot that was blocked by Mostafa Kamal, before Sherif Abdul-Fadil tried to convert a long-range free kick but again was saved. Ahli brought the score level when Fadl combined with playmaker Moahmed Abou-Treika to overcome Production's defenders and poke home with aplomb.
Hossam Al-Badri's men kept the upper hand and took the lead before the break. Fadl headed a Mohamed Barakat corner kick into the net to give Ahli a slender lead. Eventless The second half was eventless in comparison with the first period as Ahli seemed to be less energetic while Production were unable to keep up with their opponents. Production could have equalized when Momen Zakaria rifled a powerful shot six minutes from the hour mark but Ekrami produced a nice save. Afterwards, Ahli controlled the game and created several chances that could have resulted in more goals.
