Smouha sealed promotion to the Egyptian Premier League for the first time in their history after thumping Abu Qir Fertilizers 7-1 on Wednesday. The Alexandria-based club needed only a draw to make sure they would finish their second-division campaign as Group 3 winners but they secured an emphatic victory to book a place in the top flight in the best possible way. They gained an unassailable 11-point lead over second-placed and Alexandria neighbors Koroum with two matches remaining. Former Ahli striker Alaa Ibrahim scored twice in Smouha's victory over Abu Qir Fertilizers to maintain his superb displays after joining in January on a loan deal from Premier League side Petrojet. It remains to be seen whether Smouha will try to sign the 35-year-old permanently as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season. "We have high ambitions for next season," ecstatic Smouha president Farag Amer told FilGoal.com. "We want to do well and follow in the footsteps of the fellow company-owned clubs, who excelled after sealing promotion during the past few years." Wadi Degla remained the frontrunner to earn promotion from Group 2 after beating Qanah 2-1. They need four points from their last two games to remain on top and play in the Premier League for the first time since being founded in 2003. Wadi Degla are owned by Egyptian businessman Maged Sami, whose other club - Lierse SK - earned promotion to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League earlier this week.
