Ahly claimed their fifth consecutive Egyptian Super Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Cairo rivals Zamalek in the final in the United Arab Emirates.
Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki opened the scoring in the 44th minute before midfielder Marwan Atteya sealed the win in the 72nd minute.
The Red Devils were full value for their victory against a struggling Zamalek side who rarely troubled the Egyptian champions.
Ahly coach Jess Thorup fielded the same starting line-up that beat Ceramica Cleopatra in the semi-finals, while Zamalek interim coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf made several changes from the side that overcame Pyramids FC.
Abdel Raouf handed starts to Angolan winger Chico Banza, veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said, and midfielder Seif Gaafar, but the trio failed to make an impact.
Despite enjoying long spells of possession in the first half, Ahly created few clear chances until Bencharki broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a mistimed jump by Zamalek defender Mohammad Ismail to turn in a cross from Ahmed Zizo.
After the break, Zamalek introduced Brazilian winger Juan Alvina, Tunisian striker Seif Jaziri, and defender Hossam Abdel Meguid, but their efforts fell short.
Ahly doubled their lead midway through the second half when substitute Taher Mohammad skipped past Abdel Meguid and pulled the ball back for Atteya to score from close range.
Jaziri had a goal disallowed for handball following a VAR review seven minutes later, as Zamalek’s late pressure came to nothing.
The victory gave Ahly their 16th Super Cup title and extended their dominance of the competition with a fifth consecutive triumph.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
