Two goals apiece from playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika and debutant Hani Al-Egeizi helped Ahli hand Egyptian League leaders Petrojet their first defeat of the season. The first-half ended goalless but Ahli, who will face Enyimba in the CAF Champions League semis early next month, put Petrojet to the sword in the second. Abou-Treika converted a penalty 12 minutes after the restart before doubling Ahli's advantage three minutes later. Striker Al-Egeizi, who came on as a second-half substitute, scored twice late in the game to give Ahli a convincing win. Despite the defeat, Petrojet are still on top of the league table with 11 points, one ahead of Ismaili, who have a game in hand. Holders Ahli lie seventh on seven points but they are yet to play two rescheduled matches due to their Champions League commitments. Ahli coach Manuel Jose fielded lone striker in Flavio Amado. The Angolan was supported by Mohamed Abou-Treika and Ahmed Hassan. Energetic midfielder Mohamed Barakat played as a right-back, a position that always hinders his ability to push forward and wreak havoc in the opponents' area. Petrojet striker Alaa Ibrahim, who was the league's top scorer last season, once again sat on the substitutes' bench for unknown reasons. Coach Mokhtar Mokhtar fielded Hossam Osama and Al-Sayed Hamdi upfront, but neither impressed. Cautious Half In the first-half, Ahli failed to break down Petrojet's defense, which was uncommonly compact. The visitors relied on counter attacks that threatened Amir Abdul-Hamid's goal. Petrojet midfielder Ahmed Shaaban connected with Rami Saied's right-wing cross to power a header that hit the side-netting after six minutes.
Abou-Treika scored twice Eight minutes later, Ahli keeper Abdul-Hamid had to be at full alert to palm a fierce drive from Petrojet's striker Osama. The hosts piled on pressure afterwards but failed to create a clear-cut opportunity in a dull first half Floodgates Opened Ahli ran riot in the second period to embarrass Petrojet, who were deemed as potential title challengers. Barakat was given a much freer role and Abou-Treika produced a masterful display to outclass Petrojet, whose naïve defensive errors cost them. Ahli were awarded a deserved penalty in the 57th minute when Petrojet defender Fathi Mousa clumsily brought down Flavio. Egyptian international Abou-Treika stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and open the scoring. Another defensive blunder gifted Ahli a second goal on the hour mark. Ahmed Hassan robbed Mohamed Al-Fakahni and fed Abou-Treika. The classy playmaker cut inside Ayman Ramadan before firing a vicious left-footed shot that went in at the near post. Talented frontman Al-Egeizi, who was making his competitive debut after joining from Baladeya in the close season, killed off Petrojet's hopes in the 84th minute. Hassan was felled in the area as the referee pointed to the spot. The former Anderlecht man stepped up but his initial effort was blocked by Petrojet keeper Ahmed Fawzi. He gathered the loose ball and laid it off to Al-Egeizi, who struck into an empty net. Al-Egeizi put the icing on the cake three minutes before the final whistle when he latched onto Barakat's through pass before slotting past Fawzi with aplomb.
