Habiba Essam: Al Ahly targeting Egyptian Women’s Premier League title after record derby win

Al Ahly Women’s player Habiba Essam says beating Zamalek has become a familiar outcome after her side recorded their biggest victory over their rivals with a 6-0 win in the second round of the Egyptian Women’s Premier League.

Essam said the result was particularly pleasing for Al Ahly’s supporters and set out the team’s ambition to win the league title this season.

“We beat Zamalek 6-0, which is a result that makes the fans happy, and winning against Zamalek has become something familiar,” Essam said in comments published through Al Ahly’s official account.

Al Ahly scored three times in each half, with Nadine Ghazi completing a hat-trick, Awa Kassite scoring twice and Nour Youssef also finding the net.

Essam said the team’s attacking display improved after the interval, following a first half in which they failed to take several opportunities.

“We missed many chances, but our attacking performance improved in the second half, which is why we scored more goals,” she added.

The Al Ahly player also explained how tactical adjustments helped the side take control of the match.

“The coach asked us to play more through the wings, and we controlled the midfield in the second half. That helped us win,” she said.

The victory is the largest in Al Ahly’s history against Zamalek. Zamalek have never beaten Al Ahly, who have now won four meetings between the sides, with the other match ending in a draw.

Essam said Al Ahly’s focus was now on securing the Egyptian Women’s Premier League title.

“Our aim is to win the Egyptian league title this season, so expect more from us,” she said.