Analysis The numbers behind the result
National Bank of Egypt's clinical finishing secures comfortable win
National Bank of Egypt's 3-1 victory accurately reflected their superior attacking efficiency, despite Ghazl El Mehalla posting marginally better volume metrics. The hosts converted 3 of their 6 shots on target (50% conversion rate), compared to El Mehalla's 1 from 3 (33%). Osama Faisal's brace (16', 48') and Ahmed Yasser Rayan's strike (31') proved decisive against Abdel Kader Yehia's first-half response (44').
Though El Mehalla recorded more shots inside the box (12 vs 8) and matched their opponents' blocked shots (5 each), National Bank demonstrated greater variety with 10 long-range attempts to El Mehalla's solitary effort. Their 55% possession translated into 18 total shots (9 corners) versus El Mehalla's 13 (8 corners), showcasing better buildup play despite only a 10% possession differential. Faisal's 3 first-half shots (2 on target, 2 goals) exemplified this ruthless edge.
The deciding factor was shot placement - National Bank forced 6 on-target efforts from 18 attempts (33% accuracy) versus El Mehalla's 3 from 13 (23%), demonstrating superior decision-making in the final third.