Pyramids FC make winning start under Rhulani Mokwena with 3-0 victory over Ghazl El Mahalla

Pyramids FC began Rhulani Mokwena’s reign with a convincing 3-0 win away to Ghazl El Mahalla in the opening round of the league season.

Goals from Jordanian forward Ouda Al Fakhouri, Nasser Maher and Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz “Zlaka” secured the three points for Pyramids, who also handed former Al Ahly player Ahmed Abdel Kader his first appearance since joining the club from Iraqi side Al-Karmah.

Youssef Ibrahim “Obama” was named player of the match after helping Pyramids establish control and create several opportunities.

The result gives Pyramids three points ahead of their next league fixture against Abu Qir Fertilizers on Thursday. Ghazl El Mahalla will also play on Thursday, when they face Modern Sport in search of their first points of the campaign.

Pyramids take control after early pressure

Ghazl El Mahalla started brightly and attempted to put pressure on Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy. Kibo Saeedi sent an early long-range effort wide before the hosts won a corner, which Ahmed Hamed Shousha met with a header that El Shenawy held.

Pyramids gradually took control of possession and began to create the clearer chances. Obama missed a major opportunity when he shot wide of the left post with the goal unguarded.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, with Ahmed Samy heading over from a corner delivered by Mohamed El Shibi. Pyramids players also appealed for a penalty, but the referee allowed play to continue.

Ghazl El Mahalla came close to taking the lead in the 37th minute after winning a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Abdo Yehia took responsibility but lifted his effort over the crossbar.

Pyramids eventually broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time. Al Fakhouri converted Mohamed El Shibi’s headed pass inside the area, striking the ball beyond Ghazl El Mahalla goalkeeper Amer Mohamed Amer.

The home side tried to respond before the interval, but Hazem El Askary headed narrowly wide. Pyramids went into the break 1-0 ahead.

Maher scores immediately after coming on

Pyramids remained on top after the restart and continued to threaten. Obama appeared to have doubled the lead, but his goal was ruled out for offside, while Mahmoud Saber saw another effort blocked by the defence.

Mokwena made two substitutions in the 66th minute, introducing Mostafa Fathi and Nasser Maher for Al Fakhouri and Mahmoud Saber.

Maher needed only a minute to make an impact. He finished into an empty net after being played through by Obama, giving Pyramids a two-goal advantage.

Zlaka added a third in the 74th minute. The forward received a pass from El Shibi inside the penalty area and fired into the net to confirm Pyramids’ dominance.

Ahmed Abdel Kader then replaced Obama for his first official appearance for Pyramids. Ghazl El Mahalla also made a change, with Abdelrahman Rashdan coming on for Yehia Zakaria.

Abdel Kader came close to completing the scoring when he shot from inside the box, but Amer Amer made the save for Ghazl El Mahalla.