Analysis The numbers behind the result
Al Ahly's dominance rewarded by late Yasser Ibrahim strike
Al Ahly's narrow 1-0 victory was fully deserved based on the overwhelming statistical dominance, with Smouha failing to register a single shot across the 90 minutes. The hosts generated 21 attempts (9 inside the box, 4 on target) at an xG of 1.6 compared to Smouha's non-existent attacking threat, though they required Yasser Ibrahim's 87th-minute winner to break the deadlock.
Luis Ammouta's side controlled proceedings with 67% possession and 9 corners, but struggled to convert territorial advantage into clear chances – just 10% of their 21 shots were on target. The decisive moment came when Ibrahim converted from close range, rewarding Al Ahly's persistence against a Smouha side that defended doggedly but offered nothing in transition (0 shots, 0 crosses, 33% possession).
The telling statistic: Smouha became the first Premier League side this season to complete a match without attempting a shot, while Al Ahly's 21 attempts marked the division's highest single-game tally in 2026/27 so far.