Ahli produced a ruthless attacking display to overcome arch-rivals Zamalek and reach the Egyptian Cup quarter finals, thanks to the superb performances of their midfielders and frontmen. The likes of Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed Abou-Treika had a night to remember, outclassing their opponents in every aspect of the game. Zamalek, who could not hold onto their early lead, failed to end their derby jinx and their poor performance highlighted their need to strengthen their squad in the close season. FilGoal.com assessed each player on a scale of 1 to 10. Ahli: Sherif Ekrami (7): The goalkeeper was not really tested during the game as Zamalek forwards barely troubled him. He was not to blame for the White Knights' opener and he easily blocked their tame shots. Sherif Abdul-Fadil (8): He joined Ahli last summer to play as a central defender but proved to be more reliable as a right-back. His stunning free-kick helped Ahli level the score after they conceded a goal in the first minute. Wael Gomaa (7): The central defender produced a solid display, a habitual one for one of Ahli's most consistent performers this season. Ahmed Al-Sayed (6): He was not as solid as his partner Gomaa, failing to prevent Zamalek's Ahmed Gaafar from sending in a low cross that was converted by Hussein Yasser for the match's opener. Sayed Moawad (8): the lively left-back caused Zamalek's defense all sorts of problems with his neat moves down the flank. He whipped in pinpoint crosses and cut inside his markers on numerous occasions. Hossam Ashour (7.5): The defensive midfielder's presence was essential to close down spaces. He repeatedly stole possession from Zamalek players. Shehab Ahmed (8): The youngster showed the maturity of an experienced player. A modern central midfielder, Shehab perfectly accomplished his defensive and attacking duties.
Moawad, Barakat too good for Ghanem Ahmed Hassan (8): When he played in his favorite position as a central midfielder who pushes forward to support forwards, the Egypt skipper excelled and contributed to Ahli's second goal. Mohamed Barakat (9): The 33-year-old mercurial midfielder was man of the match. Just like he did in the 3-3 league draw with Zamalek, he easily skipped past right-back Ahmed Ghanem and was unlucky not to score on two occasions. Mohamed Abou-Treika (7): The classy playmaker is gradually regaining his form. He found the net with an opportunist header and fed his teammates with his trademark deft passes. Mohamed Fadl (7): He replaced the injured Emad Meteb and produced a fine display, scoring the goal that gave Ahli a 2-1 lead. Substitutes: Ahmed Fathi (6.5): The versatile midfielder, who made his first appearance in around 30 days, was introduced in the 68th minute for a defensive purpose that he fully achieved. Francis Doe (--): The Liberian striker was not tested. Ahli had no intention to go forward when he came on in the 75th minute. Gilberto (--): Not on long enough to rate. Zamalek: Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed (8.5): Zamalek could have suffered an embarrassing defeat if the in-form keeper had not pulled off a string of impressive saves. Ahmed Ghanem (3): A disastrous performance from the right-back gave Barakat and Moawad the chance to exploit Zamalek's defense far too easily. Amr Al-Safti (5): The central defender was to blame for Abou-Treika's goal as he failed to hold him off.
Al-Sayed saved Zamalek many times Mahmoud Fathallah (6): Al-Safti's partner did not commit fatal mistakes but he was powerless against waves of Ahli attacks. Mohamed Abdul-Shafi (6.5): The left-back exerted lots of efforts in defense and attack but even when he ran down the flank and sent in crosses, he could not found support from his teammates. Ibrahim Salah (--): The defensive midfielder was promising in the early stages but was unlucky to pull out of the game after just 14 minutes after he injured his elbow. Hassan Mostafa (6): The early substitution of Salah affected his own performance. He hardly dispossessed Ahli forwards. Marcel Adiko (3): The Ivorian midfielder once again failed to justify coach Hossam Hassan's faith in him. He was a peripheral figure until being substituted early in the second half. Shikabala (4): The Zamalek playmaker could not live up to expectations. He was too selfish and Ahli's Ashour managed to contain him. Hussein Yasser (4): He scored Zamalek's opener after 42 seconds but his presence was not felt afterwards. Ahmed Gaafar (3): Hassan has no choice but to field Gaafar as a lone striker, but he should sign a replacement for him in the summer. Substitutes: Sabri Rahil (5): A natural left-sided defender, Rahil failed to impress when he played instead of the injured Salah in the heart of Zamalek's midfield. Hani Saied (4): He was introduced in the 53rd minute instead of Adiko, but did not make much difference. Alaa Ali (4): The playmaker came on the hour mark to inject zeal but he was kept at bay by Ahli defenders.
