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Ahly reach Egyptian Premier League playoff following win over Gouna The defending champions qualify for the final phase of the Egyptian Premier League after beating Gouna 1-0 on Thursday
Defending champions Ahly secured their place in the Egyptian Premier League last four with one match to spare in Group A after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Gouna to continue their fine run under interim coach Fathi Mabrouk. Forward El-Sayed Hamdi scored the winner five minutes after the restart after towering above the defence to head home following a left-wing cross. Gouna, who rarely troubled Ahly, could have secured a share of spoils though when Islam Mohareb superbly skipped past two defenders inside the area but blasted his shot wide with the goal gaping after the keeper was caught off position. Ahly held on for a deserved win despite missing a host of key players through injury, claiming their second win in four league games under Mabrouk, who took over following the sacking of Mohamed Youssef in May. The two other games ended in draws. The Red Devils are on top of Group A with 37 points, three ahead of second-placed Smouha who joined them in the playoffs despite slumping to a 2-0 defeat by league debutant Ragaa. They have an unassailable seven-point lead over third-placed Ittihad with one match remaining. A four-team mini-league phase will be held with only home fixtures to determine the league champion. Ahly are chasing their eighth successive title. (For more sports news and updates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/103552.aspx