Al-Masry al-Port Saidi Club Clinches Decisive Victory Over Smouha
In a thrilling encounter at the new Suez Stadium, Al-Masry Al-Port Saidi Club delivered a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 triumph over Smouha in the 16th round of the Egyptian Premier League. This victory not only showcased Al-Masry’s tactical prowess but also marked a notable milestone for their new Tunisian coach, Anis Boujlban.
Early dominance Sets the Tone
The match kicked off with Al-Masry seizing control early on. Salah Mohsen, the Port Said team’s striker, opened the scoring in the 5th minute. A precise pass from Amr Saadawi set the stage, allowing mohsen to expertly guide the ball past goalkeeper Al-Hani Suleiman with a single touch.
Tweet from ON Sport:
“Gooooooool .. In the first 5 minutes ..Salah Mohsen opens the registration for the Egyptian team (Smouha 0 – 1 Egyptian) pic.twitter.com/nKzBZ37Vq6”
— ON Sport (@ONTimeSports) Febuary 27, 2025
Doubling down Before the Break
As the first half drew to a close, Al-Masry doubled their lead.In the first minute of stoppage time, Salah Mohsen once again found the back of the net.this time, it was an elaborate shot from outside the penalty area that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Tweet from ON Sport:
“Gooooooool ..From a missile shot.. Salah Mohsen scores the second goal for the Egyptian team (Smouha 0 – 2 Egyptian) pic.twitter.com/ZNDwT3vgAl”
— ON Sport (@ONTimeSports) February 27, 2025
Near Miss and Defensive Resilience
The 48th minute saw Al-Masry almost complete a hat-trick. A cross from Amr Saadawi was met by Fakhr Al-din Bin Youssef with a powerful header, only for it to collide with the post. Smouha briefly threatened to narrow the gap when Mohamed Metwally, known as “Canaria,” scored from a pass by Samuel Amadi. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review revealed an offside position.
Closing the Deal
The match’s decisive moment came in the 91st minute. John Ebuka capitalized on a defensive error by Smouha’s goalkeeper, heading in the third goal after a cross from Mustafa Abu Al-Khair.
Tweet from ON Sport:
“Gooooooool .. John Ibuka scores the third goal for the Egyptian team (Smouha 0 – 3 Egyptian) pic.twitter.com/bAooGbqs9k”
— ON Sport (@ONTimeSports) February 27, 2025
implications for the League
This victory propelled Al-Masry to 27 points, securing the fourth spot in the league standings. It also marked their entry into the competition for the league title under the guidance of their new coach,Anis Boujlban. Conversely, Smouha’s tally remained at 17 points, placing them 13th after their ninth defeat of the season.
In a match that highlighted Al-Masry’s strategic depth and resilience, the team not only celebrated a crucial win but also set the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.
Exclusive Interview: amr Hassan – The Football Archivist – Debates Al-Masry’s Title Charge and Egypt’s Competitive Landscape
A Brief Background
Amr Hassan, a seasoned football enthusiast and sports journalist, has followed Egyptian football for over two decades. With an unparalleled knowledge of the game’s history and intricacies, Amr has been an essential voice in shaping public opinion on the gorgeous game in Egypt. He’s currently a sports columnist for Al-Ahram and a regular panelist on Al-Nahar TV‘s football show.
The Topic: al-Masry’s Title Charge and Egypt’s Competitive landscape
Following Al-Masry’s commanding victory over Smouha, we invited Amr to share his thoughts on the Port Said team’s title credentials and the broader Egyptian Premier league landscape.
The Interview
Hassan Husni (HH): Amr, thanks for joining us today. Al-Masry’s 3-0 victory over Smouha has put them fourth in the table, just six points off the summit. Is this a genuine title challenge, or are we getting carried away?
Amr Hassan (AH): Thanks for having me, Hassan. I believe Al-Masry’s performance so far deserves our serious attention. Their new coach, Anis Boujlban, has brought a fresh approach and instilled a winning mentality. The 3-0 victory over Smouha was a testament to their tactical depth and resilience.
HH: But hasn’t Al-Masry struggled in big games this season? They’ve dropped points against teams around them in the table. Isn’t that a major concern?
AH: It’s true they’ve stumbled against some of the title contenders. Though, let’s not forget they’ve had a challenging schedule. Moreover, those games have been tightly contested. In football,small margins ofen decide the outcome. I believe Al-Masry’s recent performances show they’re inching closer to becoming genuine title contenders.
HH: Speaking of title contenders, what’s your take on Zamalek and Al-Ahly’s performances this season? Are they vulnerable?
AH: Both teams have had their ups and downs this season. While they remain the favorites, I think they’re more vulnerable then usual. The competition has improved considerably. Look at Pyramids, as an example. They’ve been incredibly consistent and coudl be dark horses in the title race.
HH: Let’s talk about Egyptian football’s competitiveness. Many argue that the league is still dominated by a few clubs. Your thoughts?
AH: The dominance of Al-Ahly and Zamalek is undeniable, but there are signs of change. We’re seeing more competitive games, and teams are investing heavily in youth progress.As an example, 16-year-old Ahmed Abdul-Qader from pharco has been outstanding this season. These developments bode well for the league’s competitiveness in the long run.
HH: But can the league attract more sponsors and investors if it lacks a clear narrative at the top, with Al-Ahly and Zamalek still dominating?
AH: That’s a valid point. But we must also consider the role of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) in promoting the league. We’ve seen improvements in broadcast deals and infrastructure, but there’s still much work to be done. I believe a balanced approach focusing on both competition and promotion can attract more investors.
HH: Lastly, what’s your prediction for the rest of the season?
AH: I expect a thrilling chase for the title between Al-Masry, Pyramids, Al-Ahly, and Zamalek. Let’s not forget that the league’s unpredictability is part of its charm. I’m looking forward to an exciting conclusion to the season.
Reader Engagement
Do you agree with Amr Hassan’s views on Al-Masry’s title charge and Egypt’s competitive landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments!
