Police Union failed to build on their fine display against holders Ahli in their Egyptian League opener to settle for a goalless draw with Ittihad Alexandria in a dull affair on Saturday. Ahli were held to a goalless stalemate by a spirited and brave Police side last week but Talaat Youssef's team could not step up a gear against Ittihad. They still lacked firepower upfront as they failed to break down Ittihad, who were also disappointing after failing to secure their first win, having been held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted MCDR in their league opener. Police playmaker Essam Abdul-Aati was the liveliest performer as he went close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions. He had a powerful shot tipped over by Ittihad keeper Al-Hani Soliman in the first half and hit the side netting from close range after the interval. Police's Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Kyere also fired wide with the goal at his mercy 12 minutes from time.
Ittihad coach Carlos Cabral fielded Cameroonian duo Edet Otobong and Marc Mboua, who joined in the close season, but neither made a notable impact. Sluggish striker Hani Al-Egeizi, who also moved to Ittihad this summer, was kept at bay by Police defenders. Gouna made up for their defeat by ENPPI after claiming a 2-1 victory over Masri. Gamal Hamza, who returned to Gouna after his sudden departure from Ahli, converted a penalty to put his side in front after five minutes. Masri's Mahmoud Abdul-Hakim, who also scored in the 2-1 win over Gaish, leveled the score shortly after but the team's celebrations were short-lived as Malian defender Eliassou Issiaka received a straight red card Gouna capitalized on their numerical advantage to score the winner in the 29th minute, thanks to a goal from newly-signed striker Ahmed Farag.
