Analysis The numbers behind the result
Pyramids punish Ceramica despite conceding early
Pyramids FC's 4-1 victory was fully deserved, outperforming Ceramica Cleopatra in both shot quality (1.84 xG vs 0.67) and efficiency despite holding just 37% possession. Ceramica struck first through Abdallah Magdy's 5th-minute opener, but Pyramids responded with three goals in 23 minutes via Mohamed Ziko (14'), Nadhir Benbouali (20'), and Mohanad Lasheen (37'), exposing Ceramica's defensive frailties despite their 63% ball dominance.
Pyramids' clinical edge was evident — they converted 4 of 6 shots on target, while Ceramica managed just 1 goal from 5 on target. The hosts also outmuscled Ceramica in the box (12 inside-box shots vs 3), with Lasheen pivotal (1 goal, 1 assist). Ceramica's discipline collapsed late, culminating in Justice Arthur's 86th-minute red card, but the game was already lost. The decisive stat: Pyramids created 2.7x the expected goals despite 26% fewer passes.