Ashraf Bencharki credits Al Ahly team-mates after winning Player of the Match award

Ashraf Bencharki dedicated his Player of the Match award to his Al Ahly team-mates after helping the Egyptian champions beat ZED 2-0 in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League.

The Morocco international opened the scoring before setting up Al Ahly’s second goal, which was finished by Taher Mohamed Taher. The result gave Al Ahly their second successive league victory and extended their winning run against ZED.

Speaking to ON Sport after the match, Bencharki said: “I won the Player of the Match award thanks to the efforts of my team-mates. I congratulate the team on achieving our second consecutive victory, and we will continue to win.”

It was the second round in a row in which Bencharki had received the individual award. He had also been named Player of the Match in the opening-round fixture involving Eastern Company and ENPPI.

Al Ahly now have six points from their first two matches, placing them alongside Al Masry, Pyramids FC and Tala’ea El Gaish at the top of the standings.

ZED remain on one point after beginning their campaign with a goalless draw against Wadi Degla. Their latest defeat was also their sixth consecutive loss to Al Ahly in the league, while the two sides have drawn once in their previous seven meetings.

Al Ahly will look to maintain their perfect start when they face Smouha in the third round on Thursday.

ZED will also be in action before then, taking on Tala’ea El Gaish on Tuesday at 17:00 local time.