Ahmed Sayed Zizo gives Al Ahly narrow victory over Abu Qir Fertilizers in Egyptian Premier League

Ahmed Sayed Zizo scored the only goal as Al Ahly beat Abu Qir Fertilizers 1-0 in week five of the Egyptian Premier League.

Al Ahly dominated possession from the start but had to wait for Zizo to break the deadlock. Ashraf Bencharki collected the ball on the left side of the penalty area before finding Sofiane Bendjedid, who laid it off to Zizo. The Al Ahly forward moved into the box and drove a low shot into the left side of the goal.

Abu Qir Fertilizers struggled to create opportunities during the opening stages, with Al Ahly holding 67% possession. Karim Fouad sent a powerful effort just wide of the right post, while another attempt from him from outside the area also missed the target.

Zizo provided several dangerous deliveries from set pieces. One free-kick from the left was cleared with difficulty, while a corner from the right reached Yassin Marei, whose shot went wide. Akram Tawfik also had an effort blocked by goalkeeper Mahmoud Genesh before the defence cleared the rebound.

Abu Qir’s best chance of the first half came from Youssef Hamdy, whose header from inside the area was brilliantly saved by Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and turned behind for a corner. Hamdy later headed another effort against the post, with Al Ahly’s defenders completing the clearance.

Omar Ibrahim also tested the Al Ahly defence, sending one long-range shot high and heading another narrowly wide of the left post. Abu Qir were restricted to two attempts compared with Al Ahly’s six during the match.

The second half became more evenly contested as Abu Qir pushed for an equaliser. Their forwards repeatedly tried to press Al Ahly into mistakes, while Ali Hussein was caught offside on several occasions. A free-kick delivered by Ahmed Dhash from the left found Ibrahim, whose header was comfortably held by El Shenawy.

Al Ahly continued to threaten on the break. Sofiane Bendjedid’s low shot from inside the area was saved by Genesh, while Karim Fouad forced another stop with a strong effort. Omar El Saai also saw a shot deflected behind for a corner.

The match was interrupted by injuries to Abu Qir players Youssef Hamdy and Genesh, while Zizo and Imam Ashour also required treatment. There were several bookings, including one for an Abu Qir player for stopping a promising attack and another for an Al Ahly player for inappropriate behaviour.

Al Ahly made five substitutions, while Abu Qir made three. The visitors finished with 59% possession to Abu Qir’s 41% and six corners to four. Referee added three minutes of stoppage time, but Abu Qir were unable to find a late equaliser.