Egypt Capital Cup: Abdullah Ziani gives Al Masry winning start against Ceramica Cleopatra

Al Masry began their Egypt Capital Cup group campaign with a 1-0 victory over Ceramica Cleopatra, with Abdullah Ziani scoring the only goal of an entertaining opening match in Group Four.

The result gives Al Masry three points in a group also containing Montakhab El-Suez, Petrojet, Ghazl El Mahalla and Abu Qir Fertilizers.

Al Masry named an attacking line-up, with Ziani supported by Abdel Rahim Dغموم and Monzer Tameem. Ceramica Cleopatra manager Ali Maher selected Mohamed Chika as the central striker.

Ziani threatened early when he struck a powerful effort from the left side of the penalty area in the ninth minute, but his shot narrowly missed the target.

The forward found the net 16 minutes later. Hussein Faisal delivered a cross into the area and Ziani met it with a first-time finish that beat the Ceramica Cleopatra goalkeeper.

Ceramica Cleopatra created an opportunity to level in the 35th minute when Fawzi El-Hanawy sent a cross into the box. Samir El-Iraqi connected with the delivery, but Al Masry’s goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep his side ahead.

Al Masry nearly doubled their advantage before half-time. Abdel Rahim Dغموم unleashed a powerful shot in the 43rd minute, only for Mohamed Bassam to make a fine save for Ceramica Cleopatra.

The second half remained competitive, with Ceramica Cleopatra continuing to search for an equaliser. Peter Korkis tested the Al Masry goalkeeper with a well-struck effort in the 83rd minute, but the shot was successfully stopped.

Al Masry held on to secure an important victory in their first group-stage fixture of the Egypt Capital Cup.

The club’s next match is against El Qanah on Sunday in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Ceramica Cleopatra will face Pyramids on Monday in the same round.