Smouha delight home fans with narrow win over Haras El Hodoud

Smouha gave their supporters a reason to cheer in Alexandria as they edged past Haras El Hodoud 1-0 at Borg El Arab Stadium in the seventh round of the Egyptian Premier League.

It was a night that showed grit, nerves and relief for the hosts.

The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Senegalese striker Pape Badji converted a fine pass from Khaled El Ghandour, sending the Smouha bench and fans into celebration. The goal underlined the team’s intent to stay competitive under coach Ahmed Abdel Aziz.

For the visitors, the evening began with misfortune. Mohamed Ashraf “Roqa” was forced off injured after just 15 minutes and replaced by Mohamed Bayoumi. Despite battling back, their best chance slipped away in the 83rd minute when Mohamed Hamdy Zaki’s penalty was stopped by goalkeeper Ahmed Mihoub.

Tension rose late on as Smouha’s Benin defender Samadou Atedjiko received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 90th minute. Still, the Alexandrian side held firm. The win lifted Smouha to 10 points in seventh place, while Haras El Hodoud remain on 8 points in thirteenth.