Hoop coup

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Ahli won the Egyptian Cup for the fourth time (photo: Salah Ibrahim)

TWO points is all that separated Ahli from Egypt's Basketball Cup after they beat arch foes Zamalek 62-60 in the final on Sunday. Mohamed El-Sayed reports.

In a lacklustre encounter in Cairo Stadium's indoor stadium Ahli won the title for the fourth time in their history and after three barren years.

Cup holders Zamalek, nine-time winners, took the lead after the first quarter 18-15 thanks to the American import Donald, a former NCAA player. The white supremacy extended to the half, finishing it 30-28.

Despite the fighting spirit the Red Devils displayed in the third quarter, Zamalek managed to stay ahead 49-46.

The fourth period saw the score see-saw before Ahli settled it in their favour. Zamalek could have clinched the cup in the dying seconds if Ahmed Orabi's three-pointer had gone in.

Tareq Khairi, Ahli's captain, announced his retirement after the match.

En route to the final, Ahli overcame Kahraba in the last-eight stage, then defeated Gezira, winners of the national league.