Pyramids lead Al Masry after Ahmed Samy header in Egyptian Premier League

Pyramids went into half-time 1-0 ahead of Al Masry in their Egyptian Premier League Week 3 meeting after Ahmed Samy scored with a powerful header from a Mohamed El Shaybi corner.

The decisive moment came when El Shaybi delivered from the right. Ahmed Samy met the cross firmly, sending his header underneath the hands of Al Masry goalkeeper Mahmoud Hamdy and into the right-hand side of the net.

Pyramids had threatened before taking the lead, with repeated spells of possession in midfield, although the opening 10 minutes passed without a serious chance for either side. Al Masry struggled to find a way through a well-organised Pyramids defence, while much of the play remained concentrated in the centre of the pitch.

Pyramids held 55% possession compared with Al Masry’s 45%, and their control of the ball helped them limit the visitors’ attacking opportunities. Ahmed El Qar’mouty did manage to send a cross from the right towards Mohamed El Shamy, but the latter’s header from the left side of the penalty area went well wide.

Mohamed Makhlouf also tried his luck from outside the box for Al Masry, though his effort missed the target. A free-kick from Makhlouf later produced a more dangerous attempt, as he struck the ball powerfully, only for it to crash against the crossbar.

Al Masry were awarded another free-kick just outside the penalty area after Hamed Hamdan impeded Salah Mohsen. Makhlouf floated the resulting delivery into the Pyramids box, but it caused no danger. A weak header from El Qar’mouty was comfortably collected by Pyramids goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy.

The match featured several disciplinary incidents in midfield. Pyramids forward Ahmed Atef was booked for a strong challenge, while Baher El Mohamady received a yellow card for blocking Ahmed Atef’s progress. Pyramids defender Mahmoud Marei was also cautioned after preventing Salah Mohsen from controlling the ball close to the edge of the penalty area.

With 15 minutes of the first half remaining, Pyramids still held their one-goal advantage. Five minutes before the interval, the score remained 1-0, while the referee added four minutes of stoppage time.

The game was briefly paused for a water break, allowing the players to drink and recover. Pyramids continued to circulate the ball through the feet of players including Ahmed Samy, Mohamed El Shaybi, Nasser Maher, Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz Zlaka and Mohamed Makhlouf, but neither team created another clear opening before the interval.

The second half then began with Pyramids still protecting their narrow lead. Their first substitution was forced after Awad Fakhoury was injured. The Pyramids player received treatment and appeared unable to continue, prompting the change.

The match also involved Ahmed Atef, Mahmoud Marei, Baher El Mohamady, Ahmed Samy, Mohamed El Shaybi, Nasser Maher, Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz Zlaka and Mohamed Makhlouf as Pyramids and Al Masry competed for points in Week 3 of the Egyptian Premier League.