International Football
NIGERIA’S JUNIOR AJAYI LEADS AL AHLY TO EGYPT SUPER CUP TRIUMPH
Egyptian giants, Al Ahly, profited from the exploits of Nigeria’s Junior Ajayi to emerge once again victorious in the infamous “Cairo Derby”, involving Zamalek.
Junior Ajayi scored two in the 3-2 defeat of Zamalek in the Super Cup at the Alexandria based Borg El Arab stadium.
The one match playoff was delayed from last season due to organizational reasons, and was used a curtain raiser for the new domestic season. The Cairo rivals will clash again in the 2019-20 Egypt Super Cup next January.
Nigerian import Junior Ajayi scored in each half, with Hussein Elshahat scoring inbetween for The Red Devils. Mahmoud Alaa scored twice from the spot to initiate a probable comeback for The White Knights but they couldn’t find the goal that could have forced the game to penalties.
It was Ahly’s 11th glory in the history of Egypt Super Cup compared to Zamalek’s three titles. Arab Contractors and Haras El Hodod has one title each in the competition that started in 2001.
After a slow start, Zamalek had to deal with an early blow when defender Mohamed Abdel Ghany suffered injury after just five minutes and was substituted by Mahmoud Hamdy.
Ahly had the first chance when Elshahat tried to make use of goalkeeper Mohamed Awwad blunder at the quarter hour mark but his shot was handled easily by the keeper.
Four minutes later Awwad came to rescue Zamalek again deflecting Mohamed “Afsha” Magdy’s shot over the line. But from the resulting corner Ajayi sent a powerful shot from close space giving Al Ahly the lead after 19 minutes.
Ahly had a similar blow at the half hour mark with defender Mahmoud Mitwally injured and leaving the field to Mohamed Hany. But the Red Devils continued controlling possession. And just before the break Elshahat was their hero. After passing brilliantly from Hamdi Naguez, he sent a powerful shot that was stopped by Awwad, but the rebound ball fell again to him from Mohamed Abdelshafy’s poor clearance to send both sides into the break with Ahly having a two goal lead.
The Red Devils started the second half from where they ended the first, and just three minutes after the restart Ajayi completed his brace, connecting well to Ramadan Sobhy’s pass before firing into the net, sending frenzy to Ahly supporters in the stands.
Zamalek fought back and had a penalty three minutes after the hour mark when Ahly’s goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy fouled substitute Mostafa Mohamed. Alaa stepped to reduce the deficit and give the White Knights hope again.
Ahly’s defensive problems worsened with defender Yasser Ibrahim also injured, leaving the field to veteran Hossam Ashour. And 15 minutes from time Zamalek had another penalty, with Alaa sending Elshenawy the wrong way to make it 3-2.
But the possible memorable comeback was never completed as Ahly remained solid in the remaining minutes to claim the trophy.
Meanwhile the 2019-20 season of Egyptian Premier League kicks off on Saturday (21 September 2019) with 18 teams competing for the title Al Ahly holds in the past four seasons.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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