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Hamdi brings Ahly back to top of Egyptian League's Group A Red Devils claim narrow 1-0 victory against Wadi Degla on Thursday, putting them back at top of Group A of Egyptian Premier League
A well-placed header in the last seconds of the first half from Al-Sayed Hamdi gave Ahly a precious 1-0 win against Wadi Degla on Thursday, putting them back at the top of Group A of the Egyptian Premier League. Hamdi repaid his coach's faith in him after being put back in the starting line-up for the first time in several weeks at the expense of Ahmed Abdel-Zaher, clinching for Ahly their seventh victory of the season, collecting 21 points – two ahead of second-placed Ennpi. The Red Devils kept the same formation used against Club Bizertin in the African Champions League last Sunday with just a single change: the addition of El-Sayed Hamdi, who proved the winning card. Ahly gained possession but failed to pose any real threat to Amir Tawfik's goal except for a few poor attempts at long range. Wadi Degla had the first real opportunity just past the half-hour mark when rising star Amr Marei was sent clear on target, but his chip ball was brilliantly denied by keeper Sherif Ekramy. Feeling the danger, Ahly stepped up pressure on the hosts with defender Saad Samir coming close to breaking the deadlock when he rose about the defence to meet a precise corner from Abdallah El-Said. His header, however, was confidently handled by Wadi Degla's keeper. The opener came seconds before the break when veteran winger Mohamed Barakat curled an excellent free kick to Hamdi who sent a glancing header at the far post to give Ahly a deserved lead. Wadi Degla failed to react after the interval as Marei faded out to leave Hani Ramzy's attack toothless. The Red Devils also failed to capitalise on their ball possession and game control. Mohamed Youssef – standing on the touchline for suspending coach Hossam El-Badry – brought in Ahmed Shoukry, Ahmed Abdel-Zaher and Mahmoud Hassan 'Trezeguet' for Abdallah El-Said, Emad Meteb and Mohamed Barakat, in hopes of finding the missing the spark. They helped contain their opponents attack but failed to improve the team's performance, ending the game with a narrow 1-0 win. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports)
