National Bank of Egypt claim first league win after Mahmoud Awkal own goal

National Bank of Egypt secured their first victory of the Egyptian league season by beating Petro Asyut 1-0 at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The decisive moment came in the 74th minute, when a shot from Rashad El Metwally struck Petro Asyut defender Mahmoud Awkal and changed direction before finding the net.

The goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Awkal, giving National Bank of Egypt their first three points of the campaign and ending a difficult opening to the competition.

National Bank of Egypt had lost their first two league matches, falling to Abu Qair Fertilizers before suffering another defeat against Zamalek. The Alexandria victory therefore provided the side with an important first success after beginning the season without a point.

Petro Asyut were unable to respond after the deflected effort and left Borg El Arab without adding to their tally. Their points total remains at two, following draws with Smouha and Montakhab El Suez Petrojet.

The match was settled by a moment of misfortune rather than a clean finish. El Metwally’s attempt appeared to be heading towards goal, but the contact with Awkal altered its path and left the defender’s side trailing.

Despite the nature of the goal, National Bank of Egypt held on to collect the full reward. The result lifts them to three points after three rounds, while Petro Asyut remain on two.

The win also marks a change in momentum for National Bank of Egypt, who had been beaten in both of their opening fixtures. Their first victory came at the third attempt and was achieved without conceding.

National Bank of Egypt will now prepare to face Ghazl El Mahalla in the fourth round of the competition. Petro Asyut’s next fixture will be against Al Ittihad Alexandria.

Both teams will enter those matches looking to improve their position after a tight contest in Alexandria. National Bank of Egypt will aim to build on their first success, while Petro Asyut will seek a result that can end a run of dropped points after their two draws and the narrow defeat by an own goal.