Al Ahly crush Pharco to clinch record 45th Egyptian Premier League title

Al Ahly crush Pharco to clinch record 45th Egyptian Premier League title

Egyptian giants Al Ahly secured a record-extending 45th Egyptian Premier League title in emphatic style, thrashing Pharco 6-0 on the final day of the season.

The win also saw the Red Devils crowned champions for a third consecutive season.

Wesam Abou Ali delivered a masterclass at Cairo International Stadium, netting four goals and assisting another as Al Ahly stamped their dominance on the domestic scene once again.

His sublime performance was capped off by a perfectly weighted assist for Hussein Elshahat to make it 5-0, before Imam Ashour added the final touch in stoppage time, Sportstar.thehindu.com reported.

The dominant win saw Al Ahly finish the campaign on 58 points, narrowly edging out fierce rivals Pyramids FC by two points.

Midfielder Mohamed Magdy Afsha expressed his joy after lifting the league shield, dedicating the triumph to the club's passionate supporters.

"It was a tough championship, and we succeeded in winning the title in the final moments," Afsha told local media.

"Personally, I always strive to work hard and give every drop of sweat for these precious moments. This title is a gift to our loyal fans who stand with us through every challenge."

However, Al Ahly's championship triumph is not without controversy. Reports from Egyptian media have revealed that Pyramids FC have taken legal action to challenge the outcome of the season.

The club has lodged a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), demanding that Al Ahly be docked three points for failing to honour a league fixture against arch-rivals Zamalek earlier in the campaign.

The Egyptian Football Association had initially handed Al Ahly a three-point deduction for missing the March clash after their request for foreign match officials was denied.

However, the decision was later reversed following an appeal by Al Ahly to the Egyptian Olympic Committee, sparking outrage from Pyramids officials who feel the decision unfairly altered the title race.

As it stands, Al Ahly's 45th league title remains intact, but CAS's involvement means the story may not be over yet. 

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