CAIRO: Ahly went top after thrashing Gaish 4-2 in an Egyptian Premier League match that saw the Red Devils produce one of their finest displays this season. The defending champions have grown comfortable with the 4-4-2 formation, and despite missing duo Mohamed Abou-Trika and Mohamed Barakat Ahly were able to outplay a stubborn Gaish side. Both talented midfielders usually support a lone striker in Liberian Francis Doe, but coach Hossam Al-Badri had to change his strategy in Friday s game. He played Hani Al-Egeizi and Doe upfront, while Ahmed Hassan was unusually assigned to feed them. The fully-fit Egypt skipper rose to the occasion and was instrumental in helping the frontmen. The absence of Barakat and Abou-Trika meant a different role for me, Hassan told Modern Sport after the match. I had to create goal-scoring opportunities. The match also witnessed the introduction of Algerian youngster Amir Sayoud, who came across as a revelation. The up-and-coming playmaker was introduced as a second-half substitute, and put in a scintillating performance on his competitive debut to help his side to the emphatic victory. His graceful movements and dribbling skills captivated Ahly s fans, who gave him a standing ovation after the final whistle. I m really looking forward to playing again, 19-year-old Sayoud told Ahly s official website. I would like to thank the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity. I promise to repay their faith and live up to expectations. Zamalek got back to winning ways after defeating Ittihad 1-0 in their first match under reappointed boss Henri Michel. However, the White Knights performance was far from convincing. The absence of influential playmaker Mahmoud "Shikabala Abdel-Razeq, who missed the game due to injury, notably affected the rhythm of Zamalek s attack. The off-form Mido, who s short of match fitness, persistently tried to make use of long shots but did not succeed and was even booked for a challenge on Ittihad keeper Al-Hani Soliman. We didn t play well today (Thursday) but I was just concerned with the result, Michel said after the game. The team will improve its displays in the upcoming period. I also aim to alter the formation. Zamalek lost 2-1 to Petrojet and were held by Arab Contractors to a 2-2 draw in their previous two games, which prompted the club s board to relieve Michel Decastel of his duties as head coach. Top-flight newcomers Gouna sprang a surprise by registering a 1-0 home win over Petrojet, who were keeping pace at the top of the table. Gouna, who brought in several experienced players in the summer, couldn t win any of their opening three matches. The coastal side beat Petrojet despite the long-term injuries of midfield duo Amr Samaka and Wael Riad, who both ruptured cruciate ligaments. Ismaili also ended their winless run with a 1-0 home victory over Arab Contractors, and now have five points from three matches. Ghazl Mahalla recorded their maiden victory over promoted Mansoura, while Asyut Petroleum s winless streak was extended after slumping to a 2-1 loss at Police Union.
