Smouha Edge Ghazl El Mahalla to Seal Egypt Cup Round of 16

Match Snapshot

Smouha navigated a tricky Egypt Cup tie by defeating Ghazl El Mahalla 3-1 at Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria, advancing to the Round of 16. The hosts started strong under coach Ahmed Abdel Aziz, pressing from the start and taking the lead in the 11th minute when Senegalese striker Pape Badji converted a rebound after a blocked effort by Mahalla.

The scoring continued after the break when Khaled El-Ghandour struck in the 50th minute to double Smouha's cushion, and Samir Fikri added a third in the 72nd minute, sealing the win as Smouha kept control. Mahalla pulled one back in the 57th minute via Ahmed Shousha from a spot kick after a foul in the box.

Smouha's defense held firm as the game wore on; Hani Suleiman made a couple of timely saves, and Mahalla's late attempts could not alter the result. In stoppage time, Mohamed Said "Makarona" received a second yellow card and left his side with ten men.

Smouha now advances to the Round of 16 and will face the winner of the Haras El Hodood vs Ismaily tie scheduled for Monday, as the cup competition this year features extra time and penalties if needed to decide ties.

Note: Both Smouha and Ghazl El Mahalla have never won the Egypt Cup; Mahalla has reached the final six times, while Smouha has made the final twice.

Upcoming fixtures and format

As the competition rolls on, the format emphasizes drama, with extra time and penalties used if needed to settle ties. The home team advantage is also highlighted in this edition, with the designated host listed first in each match.