Masri maintained their splendid run of results under coach Hossam Hassan after claiming a surprising 2-0 home victory over Ahli, their first win over the Red Devils since 2001. Two goals from defender Mohamed Gaber and former Ahli left-back Ahmed Shedid either side of the interval gave Masri an invaluable victory. Egyptian champions Ahli played the last 20 minutes with ten men on the field due to the dismissal of defender Wael Gomaa for a second bookable offense. Masri, who enjoy a revival under the guidance of Egypt's legendary striker Hassan, climbed to the top of the table with six points from two games. Ahli are fifth on three points as they defeated Olympic 3-0 in the league opener. Duo Benched Ahli's influential duo Mohamed Abou-Treika and Ahmed Hassan were surprisingly left on the bench. Masri took control of the early stages of the game and laid siege to Ahli's goal. The visitors lacked creativity to feed striking duo Flavio Amado and Emad Meteb. The hosts came close to having an unlikely lead after six minutes but Ashour Al-Adham's low drive narrowly missed the target. Seven minutes later, Masri's lively playmaker Wagih Abdul-Azeem met a right-wing cross with a fine first-timer but his effort went just over the bar. Hassan's men deservedly went ahead in the 24th minute when Gaber shrugged off Gomaa's tame challenge to convert Shedid's free kick at the near post.
Ineffective Substitutions Ahli boss Manuel Jose introduced winger Hussein Yasser, star playmaker Abou-Treika and Hassan in a bid to boost his side's attacking options. However, Masri's compact midfield, inspired by an impressive display from Nigerian Efosa Eguakun, cut short Ahli's attacking attempts. Ahli's hopes of claiming an equalizer were dealt a blow in the 70th minute when tough-tackling defender Gomaa received his marching orders for two reckless tackles. The Red Devils almost paid for Gomaa's naivety five minutes later after Ahmed Galal went one-on-one with Amir Abdul-Hamid following a neatly-worked counter attack. But his low shot missed the target as Ahli goalie Abdul-Hamid breathed a sigh of relief. Masri fans caused some tensions when they insulted Ahli's assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri, who protested to the fourth official over their actions. At the other end, Masri's football director Ibrahim Hassan joined his twin in the stands as he was sent off for apparently insulting the referee. Hossam Hassan already serves a three-match touchline ban due to his furious reactions in Masri's league game against ENPPI last season. Shedid, who was sold by Ahli to Masri in the close season, wrapped up the victory for the Port Said-based club six minutes from time. He capitalized on a poor headed clearance by Ahmed Al-Sayed to side-foot the ball past Abdul-Hamid and into the bottom corner.
