Two goals from Taher Mohamed Taher helped Ahly secure a 2-1 victory against Ceramica Cleopatra on Sunday, setting up a derby clash with Zamalek in the Egyptian Super Cup final.
South African striker Fagrie Lakay made a memorable debut for Ceramica Cleopatra by scoring just before halftime, but his late goal ultimately served as mere consolation.
Defending champions Ahly will face arch-rivals Zamalek on Thursday, while Ceramica Cleopatra will take on Pyramids FC in the third-place playoff.
Ahly coach Marcel Koller took a daring approach by resting several international stars, including first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy and the league’s top scorer Wessam Abou Ali, making five changes to his starting lineup.
It took Ahly only 11 seconds to find the back of the net, as Taher capitalized on a defensive error to head the ball over goalkeeper Mohamed Bassam.
Emam Ashour, playing on the left wing, nearly extended the lead with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar. Bassam managed to clear the rebound just in time to prevent Percy Tau from capitalizing on another defensive mistake.
Ceramica Cleopatra regrouped after their early setback, with Ahmed Kendouci and Mahmoud Zalaka testing Ahly’s stand-in goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir.
Lakay equalized in the dying moments of the first half, finding the net at the near post after receiving a pass from Zalaka.
Ahly regained the upper hand in the second half, with Taher restoring their lead with a brilliant finish from a corner delivered by Yahia Attiat Allah.
Despite late pressure from Ceramica Cleopatra, Ahly held firm to secure their spot in the final.
