Egypt’s Ahly lose 3-2 to Atletico Madrid in ‘match for peace’ in Alexandria

Ahly, whose match squad included players from other Egyptian and Arab Gulf clubs, threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid in a friendly played under the slogan “Peace Against Terrorism” in Alexandria on Saturday.

“This big sports event is arranged to stress the role of sporting institutions in supporting the country while it faces various challenges,” read a statement on Ahly’s official website ahead of the game.

The Cairo giants took the lead through their forward Moamen Zakarya six minutes before the break and winger Ahmed El-Sheikh made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.

However, a hat-trick from substitute striker Kevin Gameiro on 64, 73 and 82 minutes gave Atletico a comeback win.

The starting line-up included just four Ahly players, while Atletico fielded most of their stars including Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann, who was introduced in the second half.

“We had a blast with our fans in Alexandria. Thanks for coming out and making us feel at home!” Atletico wrote on their official Twitter account ahead of the game.

It’s not the first time for the Spanish side to arrive in Egypt as they visited the country in November 2011 when they beat Zamalek 4-1 in a friendly as part of the latter club’s centennial celebrations. Source: Ahram online