No thrills, no frills
Cup matches started this week but, as Abeer Anwar reports, who cared
With the abrupt departure of the national team from the African Nations Cup still reverberating throughout the country, the first round of Egypt's football cup began with no fanfare or for that matter, fans.
The 32nd round of matches in the cup competition rarely draw raves but it was obvious that Egypt's dismal showing in the ANC hung heavy in the air as the teams played in near empty stands.
Ahli booked the first ticket to round 16 by beating Tanta 2-0. The brace was scored by new acquisition from Tersana Mohamed Abu Treika. The win, though against largely inferior competition, was a morale booster for Ahli who have virtually conceded the league so early in the season after starting off in miserable form. The win will also increase the confidence of the club officials who opted to bring back Portuguese coach Jose Manuel who coached Ahli two years ago.
Again with the least effort, Zamalek trod over Sharqia Tobacco 3-0. Full of zest simply because of appearing on the same field with a club of Zamalek's stature, Sharqia were determined to put on a good show and in fact, attacked with abandon. But experience prevailed and Zamalek's Gamal Hamza scored the opener in the 34th minute. Newly recruited Islam El-Shatter added Zamalek's second and third goals to spoil Sharqia's day.
Rounding out Egypt's top three clubs, Ismaili trampled Maliat Kafr Al-Zayat 4-1. Maliat were on the attack from the get-go and drew first blood on a penalty by Ahmed Hassan. Mohamed Younis of Ismaili levelled just before half time. Ahmed El-Gamal and Mohamed Mohsen Abu Greisha who found the net twice, put Maliat in their place.
Other results: Ittihad 3, Kafr Al- Sheikh 1; Al-Rabat 2, Sinbelawan 1; Qanah 3, Shams 1; Mehalla 1, Damanhour 0; Telefonat Beni Sweif 5, Beni Ebeid 4 on penalties; Arab Contractors 3, Haras Al-Hodoud 1; Enppi 1, Plastic 0; Mansoura 7, Tahrir Fowa 0; Tersana 5, Tairan 0; Koroum 3, Semouha 1; Misri 1, Nabarouh 0; Aswan 2, Bilbeis 0; Baladia 9, Minya Al- Qamh 0.
