Al Ahly claimed their 45th Egyptian Premier League title in commanding fashion, demolishing Pharco FC 6-0 on Wednesday to seal the championship on the final day of the season.
The reigning champions entered the decisivere at the top of the table with 55 points, holding a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Pyramids FC. A draw would have been sufficient to retain their crown, but Al Ahly delivered a statement performance before a packed stadium.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali was the star of the show, netting a superb hat-trick to spearhead the Red Devils’ title-clinching triumph. The 27-year-old opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the first half, converting from close range after a swift counter-attack initiated by Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki, who found Ahmed “Koka” Nabil on the left flank before the latter delivered a pinpoint cross.
Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali was the star of the show, netting a superb hat-trick to spearhead the Red Devils’ title-clinching triumph. The 27-year-old opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the first half, converting from close range after a swift counter-attack initiated by Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki, who found Ahmed “Koka” Nabil on the left flank before the latter delivered a pinpoint cross.
Abou Ali doubled his tally three minutes before half-time, capitalising on another assist from Bencharki, who weaved through the left side to set up his teammate for a clinical finish.
The match took a decisive turn 10 minutes after the restart when Pharco FC goalkeeper Mohamed Shika was shown a red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Emam Ashour. Playing against 10 men, Al Ahly seized control.
Abou Ali completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute with a perfectly-executed free-kick, curling the ball into the bottom right corner. The Palestinian forward’s performance capped off a remarkable individual season that saw him finish as the league’s joint-top scorer with 13 goals.
Coach Emad El-Nahass introduced fresh legs including Ali Maaloul, Mohamed “Afsha” Magdi and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Tunisian left-back Maaloul’s emotional cameo marked his final appearance for the club before his contract expires, as he provided the assist for Abou Ali’s third goal with a measured cross.
Hussein El-Shahat extended the lead to 5-0 in the 75th minute, latching onto Abou Ali’s cross and slotting home from six yards out. Ashour sealed the comprehensive victory in added time with a powerful shot from inside the box after a brilliant backheel from El-Shahat.
The triumph represents a remarkable turnaround for Al Ahly, who found themselves trailing Pyramids FC earlier in the campaign. Following the departure of Swiss coach Marcel Koller after their CAF Champions League exit, interim boss El-Nahass stepped in during a critical phase and guided the Cairo giants to six consecutive victories that ultimately secured the league title.
The winning streak began with a narrow 3-2 victory over Petrojet and was followed by a 5-0 demolition of Harras El-Hodoud. They eased past Masry 4-2 before edging Ceramica Cleopatra 1-0 in a tight affair. A dramatic 2-1 win over NBE Club came courtesy of a stoppage-time strike from Abou Ali, setting up Wednesday’s title-clinching performance.
Ashour emerged as Al Ahly’s talisman this season, topping the scoring charts with 13 goals – level with Abou Ali and ahead of Zamalek’s Nasser Mansi. The 27-year-old midfielder was named man of the match on seven occasions, the most of any player this campaign.
However, the league crown also marks the end of an era at the club. Defender Rami Rabie and defensive midfielder Akram Tawfiq are set to depart after declining to renew their contracts due to financial disagreements. Third-choice goalkeeper Hamza Alaa will also leave in search of more playing time.
Veteran Tunisian left-back Maaloul is expected to depart after nine seasons, with the club reportedly opting not to renew his contract to make room for new foreign signings. Moroccan full-back Yahya Attiat Allah, on loan from Russian club Sochi, will also leave after an injury-hit season.
El-Nahass, despite leading Al Ahly to the title, will not be retained. Spanish coach Jose Riveiro is expected to be unveiled on Thursday and reportedly prefers a fully foreign coaching team.
Al Ahly will depart for the United States next week to prepare for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will look to build on their domestic success on the global stage.
