Ahmed Samy header keeps Pyramids perfect as they beat Al Masry

Pyramids moved to the top of the Egyptian Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Al Masry at New Suez Stadium, maintaining their 100% record after three matches.

Ahmed Samy scored the only goal of the game, heading in from Mohamed El Shayebi’s cross in the 12th minute. The result took Pyramids to nine points, while Al Masry remain on six.

The win was Pyramids’ third in succession in the league and puts them temporarily at the summit. For Al Masry, it was their first defeat of the campaign.

Pyramids retained the core of the side that had played against Ghazl El Mahalla and Abu Qir Fertilizers, with Youssef Ibrahim ‘Obama’ leading the team.

Al Masry manager Emad El Nahhas made two changes from the previous match. Hussein Faisal and Mohamed El Shamy were brought into the starting line-up in place of Abdullah Zayani and Khair El-Din Tawaal, while Salah Mohsen led the attack.

Pyramids made the stronger start and took the lead when El Shayebi delivered an excellent ball into the area. Ahmed Samy met the cross with a powerful header that found the net.

Al Masry attempted to respond quickly. Mohamed Makhlouf tried his luck from outside the penalty area in the 16th minute, but his effort went narrowly wide.

Two minutes later, Ahmed El Karmoty sent a dangerous cross from the right. Mohamed El Shamy reached it with a header from the left side of the box, although the attempt drifted away from goal.

Makhlouf came close again in the 37th minute with a fierce strike. His shot hit the post before Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy reacted well to keep it out and guide the ball behind for a corner.

Pyramids were forced into a change just before half-time when Ouda Fakhoury left the field with an injury in the 44th minute. Nasser Maher replaced him.

The hosts continued to look for a second goal after the interval. Nasser Maher fired from the edge of the penalty area in the 59th minute, but his effort passed just wide of the left post.

Al Masry pressed for an equaliser late on, yet Pyramids’ defence stood firm. Khair El-Din Tawaal had one of the visitors’ final opportunities in the 88th minute, but his shot struck a Pyramids defender and went out of play.

Pyramids will try to extend their winning run when they play El Gouna in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League next Wednesday.

Al Masry’s next fixture is against Suez SC at Borg El Arab on Monday.