CAIRO: Egypt's al-Ahly came into Wednesday night's match against newly promoted Al Dakhleya looking to take care of business and keep up with rivals Zamalek and Ismaily. Ahly's season has not started ideally with two draws in four games. As a new team in the Egyptian Premier League Al Dakhleya has had a hard start and tonight they had their hands full with the reigning champions in the end losing 3-1. The first twenty minutes saw some close chances for both sides. Ahly forward Emad Moteb should have put the home side up within the first ten minutes but he squandered a chance right in front of goal. Dakhleya almost got themselves a goal early on when a volley from outside the area rattled off the cross bar. Ahly would get their first goal in the 20th minute thanks to a penalty conceded by Dakhleya keeper Hashem Al Disouky when he brought down Moteb in the box. Defender Wael Gomaa stepped up to the spot and calmly put home the penalty to the right side. The Red Devils would double the score in the 27th from a break away down the right flank which was crossed in low by Ahmed Fathy. Fathy tore down the side and sent in a great low ball which took a bounce in front of goal but was blasted home by forward Emad Moteb. The first half belonged to Moteb and Ahly as they went into the break up 2-0. Al Dakhleya came out of the locker room motivated and threatened Ahly with two chances in the first ten minutes. Dakhleya should have scored on one of them when their forward latched onto a stray ball in the box from eight yards out but blasted it over the goal. Ahly got their third goal in the 65th minute from a strong Hossam Ghaly header that was played from a corner. The Ahly captain rose up above everyone and snapped the header down into the goal and left no doubt for the home side. Al Dakhleya managed to pull one back when a crossed in ball bounced in the area and was finally put away from close range in the 85th minute. The match ended 3-1 and put Ahly first in the league with eleven points. Earlier in the night title contender Ismaily beat ENPPI 2-1 and moved into second place with ten points from five games played. Ahly rivals Zamalek play Smouha Thursday. BM
