Bencharki leads Al Ahly to 3-0 win over Zamalek in Cairo derby

 (Reuters) - Forward Achraf Bencharki scored twice and set up another goal as Al Ahly beat Zamalek ​3-0 in the Egyptian Premier League on Friday.

The ‌Moroccan opened the scoring with a header in the Cairo derby in the 18th minute but did not celebrate against his former ​club.

Al Ahly doubled their lead in the 32nd minute ​when Bencharki provided the assist for Hussein El ⁠Shahat, who chipped the ball over Zamalek goalkeeper El Mahdi ​Soliman.

“It was a poor match for us and an even ​worse result,” Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal told reporters. “I am sad for Zamalek’s supporters. I had hoped they would leave the stadium happy after ​achieving a positive result.”

Both sides missed penalties in the ​second half. Al Ahly goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Hossam Abdelmaguid’s spot kick ‌in ⁠the 55th minute before Mahmoud Trezeguet struck the left post 11 minutes later.

Bencharki made it 3-0 in the 74th minute after a through ball from Emam Ashour, celebrating with ​the Al Ahly ​fans. He ⁠has now scored four goals in four matches against Zamalek since joining the title holders.

Third-placed ​Al Ahly have 47 points, three behind ​joint leaders ⁠Zamalek and Pyramids, with two matches remaining.

Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup praised his team’s performance.

“We played with discipline,” the Dane ⁠said. “I ​told the players before the match ​that they had to make their families proud, and that fighting spirit is ​what they showed.”