Al Ahly prevailed over their arch rivals Zamalek SC – thrashing them 3-0 in the 115th Cairo Derby played at Cairo International Stadium Monday night.
The Egyptian Premier League Day 17 fixture was Ehab Galal’s first outing since replacing Montenegrin Nebojsa Jovovic as the new Zamalek coach last week.
Moamen Zakaria, Abdallah El-Said and Walid Azzaro were on the spot to seal the humongous victory as the “Red Devils” piped Isamily to the top of the log as the league takes midterm break.
Zakaria put the record Egyptian champions in the lead with only two minutes played – firing in from inside the forbidden area an inviting left cut back from Walid Soliman.
Zamalek landed a golden chance to draw level in the 32nd minute from the spot after Zakaria tagged Hazem Imam in the box, but Bassem Morsy’s kick was punched away to safety by goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawy.
Ahly on the other hand were not to be denied from the same position three minutes to half time after El-Shenawy tripped Ali Maaloul just inside the box.
Abdallah El-Said stepped forward to coolly slot home in the top left corner for a 2-0 half time lead.
Ahly’s dominance spilled over into the second stanza as the coach Hossam El-Badry’s charges pressed for more goals.
Azzaro made it 3-0 for the final of the night off another of his namesake Walid’s assist in the 53rd minute.
The biggest rivalry in Africa’s club football returned to its “spiritual home” at Cairo International Stadium since 2014 but only 500 fans were allowed in.
It was Ahly’s third straight win over their troubled eternal rivals in the league.
Overall, in 115 meets, Ahly have won 43 times against Zamalek’s 25 with 47 fixtures ending even Steven.
Ahly will now shift focus to Egyptian PL’s Super Cup against Al Masry in Abu Dhabi Friday.
