Abdullah Zayani gives Al Masry victory over Ceramica Cleopatra in Egypt Capital Cup

Abdullah Zayani scored the only goal as Al Masry beat Ceramica Cleopatra in the Egypt Capital Cup group stage, with the forward finishing a low cross from Hussein Faisal after 30 minutes.

Al Masry started positively, although their early possession produced little threat. A corner delivered by Mohamed Shokry was cleared by the Ceramica Cleopatra defence before Zayani sent a powerful effort from the left side of the penalty area narrowly wide of the left post.

The hosts then created another opening when Samir Iraqi’s cross found Mohamed Makhlouf, whose shot went over the bar. At the other end, Ayman Saad Moka twice tried his luck for Ceramica Cleopatra, with one effort blocked and another from outside the area deflecting off the defence and going wide of the left post.

Ceramica Cleopatra controlled much of the midfield without creating a clear chance, but Al Masry broke the deadlock when Faisal sent a low ball across the penalty area. Zayani met it with a fine finish into the net.

Ceramica Cleopatra responded with a cross from Fawzi El-Hanawy which reached Samir Iraqi, but the Al Masry goalkeeper made an excellent save. Amr Qalawa also fired wide from outside the box, while a defensive error allowed Munther Tameen to shoot from the edge of the area, though his effort went just past the post.

Zayani was later caught offside, and Al Masry’s Abd al-Rahim Daghmoum saw a powerful close-range attempt saved by Mohamed Bassam. The first half ended with six minutes of added time.

Ceramica Cleopatra began the second half looking for an equaliser. Mohamed Reda sent a long-range shot straight at the goalkeeper, while Al Masry relied on short passing in midfield as they protected their lead. A Ceramica Cleopatra player was booked during the period.

After play was briefly stopped for the players to take on water and recover, the visitors continued to search for a way through the Al Masry defence. Zayani produced an impressive run into the area, but his shot struck Ceramica Cleopatra defender Ragab Nabil.

A free-kick from Peter Korkis then brought a firm save from the Al Masry goalkeeper. Al Masry also threatened when a cross reached Ali Soliman, whose effort flew over the bar.

There were several substitutions for both sides during the second half, including further changes for Al Masry and two replacements by Ceramica Cleopatra. Al Masry players appealed for a penalty after Ragab Nabil challenged substitute Ali Soliman, but referee Mohamed Maarouf allowed play to continue.

The match ended with Al Masry holding on to their narrow advantage.

Players listed in the match included Hassan Ali, Yassin El-Mallah, Abdullah Zayani, Khair El-Din Tawal, Hussein Faisal, Mahmoud Hamada, Abd al-Rahim Daghmoum, Ali Soliman, Abdullah Magdy, Fathy Mohamed, Fawzi El-Hanawy, Khaled El-Nabris, Samir Iraqi, Hussein El-Sayed, Mohamed El-Sayed Shika, Neitz Gradisar, Amr El-Sulya, Peter Korkis and Ayman Saad Moka.