Pyramids secured a valuable victory over Ghazl El Mahalla in the official debut of their new South African coach, Rulani Mokwena.
Pyramids defeated their host Ghazl El Mahalla 3-0 in a match played as part of the first round of the league competition.
The goals were scored by Jordanian Oday Al-Fakhouri, Nasser Maher, and Mahmoud Abdelhafiz "Zalaka".
The match saw the participation of new signing Ahmed Abdelkader, the former Al-Ahly player who recently joined Pyramids Club from Iraqi side Al-Karma.
Meanwhile, Pyramids player Youssef Ibrahim "Obama" received the Man of the Match award.
The win raised Pyramids' tally to 3 points ahead of their upcoming match against Abu Qir Fertilizers next Thursday in the second round of the league.
Ghazl El Mahalla will seek their first points of the season this Thursday as well, when they face Modern Sport in the same round.
Match Description
Ghazl El Mahalla started the match with offensive pressure, seeking to threaten Ahmed El Shenawy's goal. Kipo Seidi fired a shot wide before the team earned a corner kick, which Ahmed Hamed Shousha met with a header that El Shenawy comfortably saved.
As time passed, Pyramids imposed their dominance on possession and began creating chances. Youssef Obama missed a clear opportunity when he shot wide of the left post despite facing an empty goal.
Pyramids continued their pressure, and Ahmed Sami nearly scored from a corner kick taken by Mohamed El Shebib, but his header went over the crossbar. Pyramids players appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on.
In the 37th minute, Ghazl El Mahalla nearly opened the scoring after earning a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Abdo Yahya took the shot, but it sailed over the bar.
Pyramids succeeded in scoring the opening goal in the 41st minute through Oday Al-Fakhouri, who converted Mohamed El Shebib's headed pass inside the box with a shot that found the back of Amer Mohamed Amer's net.
Ghazl El Mahalla attempted to equalize before halftime, but Hazem El Askary wasted a chance with a header that went wide of the post. The first half ended with Pyramids leading 1-0.
In the second half, Pyramids maintained their control and launched several attacks. The referee disallowed a goal scored by Youssef Obama for offside, while Mahmoud Saber missed an opportunity with a shot that hit the defense.
Pyramids made two substitutions in the 66th minute, bringing on Mostafa Fathi and Nasser Maher in place of Oday Al-Fakhouri and Mahmoud Saber. Just one minute after entering the pitch, Nasser Maher scored the second goal, capitalizing on a pass from Youssef Obama to slot the ball into an empty net.
A golden assist from Obama 😎✅ Nasser Maher scores Pyramids' second goal against Ghazl El Mahalla pic.twitter.com/5aflWOZrHZ@ONTimeSports
In the 74th minute, Mahmoud Abdelhafiz "Zalaka" scored Pyramids' third goal after receiving a pass from Mohamed El Shebib and firing the ball into the net from inside the box, confirming his team's dominance in the match.
Pyramids brought on Ahmed Abdelkader to replace Youssef Obama, while Ghazl El Mahalla introduced Abdelrahman Rushdan in place of Yahya Zakaria.
Ahmed Abdelkader missed a chance to score a fourth goal with a shot from inside the box that was saved by Ghazl El Mahalla goalkeeper Amer Amer.
