Match Centre

Ceraica Cleopatra deserved their 2-0 victory despite only marginally dominating possession (52%) and being outshot 9-5 by Smouha SC. The visitors converted two of their three shots on target (3 total), contrasting sharply with Smouha's three on target from nine attempts. The hosts' early disallowed goal (Pape Abasse Badji, 1') hinted at a different story, but Cleopatra's efficiency proved decisive.

Samir El Eraki (49') and Hussein El Sayed (57') delivered the crucial blows in a game where both sides saw goals chalked off by VAR. Despite Smouha's higher shot volume (7 inside box vs Cleopatra's 3), they lacked precision (just 33% on target). Cleopatra's disciplined defence (13 fouls to Smouha's 7) and organisation minimised clear chances, with their goalkeeper making three saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The key stat: Ceramica Cleopatra scored twice from an xG of just 0.18 per shot (based on 3 on target), demonstrating exceptional conversion compared to Smouha's 0.11 per shot (3 on target from 9 attempts).