Defending champions Ahli jumped to the top of the Egyptian League table after crushing Aluminum 3-0 at Military Academy on Thursday. Mohamed Abou-Treika opened the scoring from the spot midway through the first-half. Emad Meteb doubled the lead 11 minutes before the break and Abou-Treika scored again in the 72nd minute to seal the victory. Ahli's win, combined with Al-Gaish draw and Petrojet's defeat, help them occupy the league summit with 27 points. Al-Gaish lie second due to their inferior goal difference to the Red Devils while Petrojet are third on 25 points. Expected Domination As expected, the hosts laid siege to Aluminum's goal from the very beginning. Ahli had the first chance after eight minutes, thanks to poor goalkeeping from Mohamed Khalaf. He failed to handle an easy cross from the left and the ball slipped to the path of Meteb, whose low shot was cleared off the line by an Aluminum defender. Khalaf made amends four minutes later when he superbly blocked Moataz Eno's powerful volley from the edge of the area, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
Ahli were awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute when Ashraf Abdul-Rahim allegedly brought down Abou-Treika inside the area. Television replays were inconclusive. The classy playmaker stepped up to send the keeper the wrong away as Ahli deservedly went ahead. Meteb extended the lead in the 34th minute with a simple tap-in at the far post after connecting with Mohamed Barakat's low cross. Belal's Excellence Ahli coach Manuel Jose introduced Ahmed Belal instead of below-par right-back Ahmed Adel. Belal, who rejoined Ahli from Turkish side Konyaspor in the close season, demonstrated he is on his way to regain his sharpness. Four minutes before the interval, Belal provided a brilliant chip to Abou-Treika, who went clear on goal but his poor effort went wide. Aluminum's only dangerous opportunity came in the 70th minute when Karim Abdul-Hakim's header was denied by the post. Once again Belal produced a moment of brilliance two minutes later to help Abou-Treika complete the rout. His deft through pass released Abou-Treika, who smashed a right-footed bullet into near top corner.
