Al Qanah lead Al Masry at half-time after Hazem Abu Sena goal

Al Qanah hold a 1-0 lead over Al Masry at half-time in their Egyptian Premier League week-six match, with Hazem Abu Sena scoring after his side’s earlier effort had been ruled out for offside.

Al Qanah appeared to take the lead through Maoly Wayo, but the goal was disallowed after Mahmoud Behairy Harsha was judged to have been offside.

The hosts eventually went ahead through Abu Sena. Maoly Wayo’s shot from inside the penalty area was saved by Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Hamdy, but Abu Sena followed up to send the rebound into the middle of the net.

The goal was referred to the video assistant referee, who confirmed the decision.

Al Masry responded by increasing the pressure as they looked for an equaliser, but Al Qanah’s defence remained well organised.

Mohamed Shokry came close when he struck from inside the penalty area, although his effort flew over the crossbar. Earlier, Mohamed Sadek hit the left post after meeting a low cross from the right by Wayo before the ball went behind for a goal kick.

Al Qanah also threatened from set pieces. Mahmoud Behairy Harsha delivered a corner from the left, but the Al Masry defence cleared the cross away from danger. Another corner, won from the same side, was also dealt with by the defence.

The visitors had one of the clearest chances late in the half when Wayo broke through and found himself one-on-one with Hamdy. The Al Masry goalkeeper stood tall to block the forward’s effort from inside the area.

Al Masry’s Abdel Rahim Dghmoum was booked for what the referee deemed simulation, while an Al Qanah player also received a yellow card. Hussein Faisal conceded a free-kick in the defensive half after a foul, while Abdullah Ziani was penalised for an infringement in the attacking half.

Hazem Abu Sena tried to break down the right for Al Qanah, but the ball ran too far ahead of him and went out for a goal kick.

The opening 15 minutes had passed without a goal and with little danger at either end, despite attacking intent from both sides. Al Masry won no corners in the first half, compared with one for Al Qanah.

The referee added five minutes before the interval. Players were also given a brief break to take on fluids and recover before play resumed with Al Qanah in possession.