Unfancied Smouha set up decider against Ahly, qualify for Champions League

Unfancied Smouha defeat Zamalek 2-1 to set up an Egyptian Premier League decider against defending champions Ahly

Surprise package Smouha continued their march towards a stunning Egyptian Premier League triumph after beating Zamalek 2-1 in the penultimate game of the final mini-league phase to set up a title decider against defending champions Ahly.
Another below-par performance from Zamalek saw them fall to two first-half goals from Alaa Ali and Ayman Ashraf before Ahmed Ali pulled one back after the break in what proved to be a mere consolation.
Smouha's victory over the ailing Cairo club ensured they would at least finish second, making sure they will play in next year's African Champions League for the first time in their history.
After overcoming Zamalek 1-0 in the final league phase opener, Ahly and Smouha are now level on six points following the Reds' 4-0 thrashing of Petrojet.
But a draw would be enough for Ahly to be crowned champions on Monday, given their better goal difference, as the latter must win to claim their first-ever league trophy.
However, Smouha – who made their top-flight debut in 2010 – will still be celebrating a guaranteed Champions League spot after being assured of at least a second-placed finish.
On the other side, Zamalek's sole hope of a Champions League berth is to win the competition this season, a prospect that seems unlikely given their position at the bottom of their group.
The 11-time Egyptian champions, who battled to make it through their group to the final phase, now extend their league-drought to 10 years after last winning the competition in 2004.
Insipid match, Smouha win
Smouha took the lead just one minute from the half-hour mark when former Zamalek midfielder Alaa Ali evaded right-back Hamada Tolba after receiving a pass from Ahmed Hamoudi inside the area to unleash a left-footed strike into the top corner.
The Alexandrians' second of the night agonizingly exposed Zamalek's defensive frailties, with Ahly loanee Ayman Ashraf easily evading the Whites' pressing on the right before tucking inside the area and hitting a tame low shot that bounced off the post before rolling in goal.
Ali then reduced the arrears in the 62nd minute when he latched onto a brilliant through ball from substitute Mohamed Ibrahim to go clear and fire past the keeper.
Despite Ahly just claiming a one-goal lead over Petrojet by the time Ali scored the goal, Zamalek still seemed far from determined to pull an equalizer with visitors Smouha coming close on a couple of occasions.
Ibrahim also saw a low strike miss the target by inches but it was too little too late as Zamalek – who were expected to be competing fiercely for the league title in four-team round, were made to rue another failure.
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