Ceramica Cleopatra held by National Bank of Egypt in goalless first half

Ceramica Cleopatra and National Bank of Egypt went into half-time level at 0-0 in their Egyptian Premier League week five encounter, with neither side able to create a clear advantage.

Ceramica dominated possession during the opening 45 minutes, holding 61% compared with 39% for National Bank of Egypt. However, much of the play remained in midfield and neither goalkeeper was seriously tested.

Mohamed Reda Bobo tried to take advantage of the National Bank goalkeeper’s advanced position with a long-range effort from near the halfway line, but the ball flew over the crossbar. Ahmed Madbouly then sent two efforts wide for National Bank, while Amr Qalawa also missed the target from outside the area for Ceramica.

Ali Maher, Ceramica’s manager, was shown a yellow card for protesting against the referee. Ahmed Belhaj, a Ceramica Cleopatra player, was also booked.

National Bank threatened when Osama Faisal delivered a cross from the left, but it went out of play. Ceramica responded with a cross from Hussein El Sayed which was collected by Ahmed Sobhy, the National Bank goalkeeper.

A header from Ceramica forward Gradisar, taken inside the penalty area, was also comfortably held by Sobhy.

The match included a one-minute break for the players to drink water and recover. With 15 minutes remaining in the half, the score remained goalless, and it was still 0-0 with five minutes left before the interval.

Ceramica Cleopatra made its first substitution of the match before half-time, with the change forced by circumstances. The referee added three minutes of stoppage time.

Ahmed Hany, Abdullah Magdy and Ahmed Belhaj were listed among the players involved in the match.