Routine stuff

The 18th week of the Egyptian league needs a shot in the arm, reports Ahmed Morsy

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Ahli collected three points against Mehalla

The Egyptian domestic league will hopefully heat up with its 18th week of matches today. Title holders Ahli face Haras Al-Hedoud, in sixth place with 26 points. Ismaili host Egypt Telecom and Aluminium meet Petrojet, second place with 32 points. Enppi play the Arab Contractors while Baladayet Mehalla host Tersana.

In the 17th week of matches, Ahli earned a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Spinning Mehalla on Saturday. The victory cemented Ahli's position on top of the Egyptian League table with 45 points, 13 clear of second-place Petrojet which lost 1-0 to Egypt Telecom on Sunday.

Amir Abdel-Hamid, replacing starting goalie Essam El-Hadari who fled to a Swiss club without prior notice, blocked an early threat from Spinning Mehalla striker Abdel-Hamid Shabana to the huge applause from the visiting Ahli fans who repeatedly cheered for the stand-in keeper.

Ahli were lacklustre in a dull first-half, making just one attempt through Ahmed Fathi's powerful drive five minutes before half-time. In the second half, Mehalla could have opened the scoring on a couple of occasions. A deft through pass released Shabana, who ghosted behind Emad El-Nahhas to go clear but his low effort went poorly wide of the post.

Angolan striker Amado Flavio came to Ahli's rescue deep into stoppage time when he connected with Mohamed Barakat's pinpoint cross at the far post to head home and give his team three extra points in the league tally.

"Despite it being a tough competitive game, my team achieved its target by gaining the three points," Ahli coach Manuel Jose said in the press conference.

"Our rivals were able to threaten us on more than one occasion. They were boosted by their fans, and they usually put on good performances in their home matches," Jose said. "The last minutes witnessed a lot of excitement. It was different than our previous league matches."

The Portuguese coach was highly critical of the bumpy conditions of the pitch which, he said, spoiled both teams'performances.

On the same day, Misri drew 1-1 with Al-Gaish, Suez Cement beat Aluminium 1-0 in Suez while the Arab Contractors and Ittihad drew 2-2. As for Zamalek, who are fifth with 30 points, they took home a 1-0 win over Baladyet Mehalla.

Mahmoud Abdel-Razeq, or Shikabala, came off the bench to notch home the winning goal and gave his team the lead in the 62nd minute when he controlled a pull-back on the edge of the area, spun around before hitting a superb left-footed curling effort into the top corner, making up for Gamal Hamza's wasted penalty.

Despite the win, Zamalek failed to put on a convincing display as their uninspiring form prompted their fans to chant angry slogans against coach Ruud Krol.

Mehalla could have been in front in the 18th minute when they were awarded a deserved penalty. Gamal Gad got the better of Beshir El-Tabie inside the area, leaving the combative defender with no alternative but to bring him down.

Gad stepped up but his effort was blocked by Zamalek keeper Mohamed Abdel-Monsef.

Shikabala's second-half introduction revived Zamalek's attacking options.

The former PAOK wizard provided pinpoint passes to his teammates, who failed to capitalise on numerous scoring opportunities.

After the whistle, Zamalek chairman Mamdouh Abbas announced in a TV programme that Zamalek assistant coach Ayman Mansour had been fired with Mohamed Helmi named his successor.

At the same time Abbas announced the decision, Mansour was speaking to reporters at a press conference after his side's victory over Mehalla.

Helmi, a former player with Zamalek, was the manager of Baladyet Mehalla for the first half of the season.

Tersana had a goalless draw with Ismaili while Haras Al-Hedoud defeated Enppi 2-0 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the quarter-finals of the Egyptian Cup are scheduled for 5 and 6 March. Enppi will clash with Ittihad and Haras Al-Hedoud meet Petrojet on Wednesday. Zamalek host Suez Cement and Aluminium play the Arab Contractors.