Enppi
Enppi Claim Bragging Rights in Cairo Derby Thriller
Enppi held firm against a late Masr onslaught to secure a pulsating 2-1 victory in their Premier League clash at Petroleum Stadium, moving top of the table after four games. The Petroleum Boys rode their luck at times but showed typical derby-day resilience to turn back Masr’s second-half rally.
Kahraba Strikes First Blood from the Spot
The game exploded into life after a cagey opening half-hour when referee Mahmoud El Banna pointed to the spot after Mohamed Rabia’s clumsy challenge. Mahmoud Kahraba, Enppi’s chief tormentor all season, stepped up to send Aly Lotfi the wrong way in the 33rd minute – his third goal in four games. Rabia’s frustration earned him an instant yellow card, compounding Masr’s misery.
Just nine minutes later, Ahmed Kalousha doubled Enppi’s advantage with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, assisted by Ziad Kamal’s clever cut-back. The home fans erupted as Masr’s defence stood statuesque – their 57% first-half possession counting for nothing against Enppi’s ruthless efficiency.
Masr Fightback Falls Just Short
Manager Mohamed Shawky made three half-time changes, including introducing Wajdi Nabhan, who immediately repaid his manager’s faith. The substitute halved the deficit in the 56th minute, pouncing on Ahmet Atef’s floated cross to head past Abdel Rahman Samir at the near post.
Masr laid siege to Enppi’s goal thereafter, racking up 12 second-half shots to Enppi’s 4. But Samir stood tall with two crucial saves, including a fingertip stop from Marwane Hajij’s curling effort in the 67th minute. When Mohamed Hamdi’s late yellow card gave Masr a free-kick in stoppage time, the away end held its breath – only for Samir to punch clear Tarek Alaa’s delivery.
What This Result Means
For Enppi, this victory completes a perfect start to the season (4 wins, 12 points) and establishes them as genuine title contenders under Mohamed Barakat. Kahraba’s ice-cool penalty and Kalousha’s thunderbolt showed why they’ve now scored in 11 consecutive league matches.
Masr will rue their wastefulness (just 3 shots on target from 18 attempts) but can take heart from a second-half display that pushed the league leaders to the brink. Shawky’s men remain in mid-table but this performance suggests their patient build-up style can trouble any defence when executed precisely.
Derby days always leave scars and souvenirs. For Enppi, three hard-earned points and temporary bragging rights. For Masr, more ‘what ifs’ in a rivalry that grows more compelling by the season.
Key Moments
33′ ⚽ Enppi — Mahmoud Kahraba
42′ ⚽ Enppi — Ahmed Khalil Kalousha (assist: Ziad Mohamed Kamal)
