Leaders El-Hodoud claim 10th league win

Leaders Harras El-Hodoud survived a barrage of Petrojet attacks to claim a 3-0 victory and move four points clear at the top of the Egyptian Premier League table on Saturday. The military club, who have only tasted one defeat so far this season, took the lead after five minutes when forward Ahmed Mekki converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Ahmed Eid. Petrojet were unlucky not to equalize on several occasions, as they laid siege to El-Hodoud’s area after falling behind. Striker Marwan Mohsen rounded El-Hodoud keeper Wael Khalifa in the 26th minute but his shot was cleared off the line by defender Ahmed Ouka. Khalifa was sent off on the hour mark for handling the ball outside the area but Petrojet failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage despite maintaining their domination. Mohsen shot wide with the goal gaping on 70 minutes and he was punished for his wastefulness five minutes later when full-back Islam Ramadan doubled El-Hodoud’s advantage with a powerful left-foot drive. Eid wrapped up the win in stoppage time after finishing off a neatly-worked counter attack. El-Hodoud’s 10th successive win moves them four points clear of second-placed and defending champions Ahly, who can narrow the gap to one point if they beat Smouha later on Saturday. ahramonline .