El Gouna FC fought bravely to secure a 2-1 victory against Zed FC at Cairo Stadium on Friday, taking a big step toward Premier League survival in the relegation stage’s second round.
Despite losing Mahmoud Hassouna to a red card in the 25th minute, El-Gouna showed heart. Nigerian Favor Akim struck first in the 28th minute, only for Zed’s Shadi Hussein to level the score in the 54th.
Nigerian Oujo Samuel sealed the win with a sharp goal in the 58th minute. El-Gouna, under coach Alaa Abdel-Al, climbed to 23 points, holding second in the relegation group. Zed FC, led by Hamada Sidqi, stayed at 24 points, still topping the group.
Meanwhile, Ghazal Al-Mahalla edged Smouha 1-0 at Al-Mahalla Stadium.
Tunisian Mohamed Ali bin Hamouda netted the lone goal in the 36th minute. Al-Mahalla, guided by Cypriot Nicodimus Baba Vasilio, hit 20 points for fourth place, while Smouha, coached by Ahmed Sami, also sits at 20 points, fifth by goal difference.
