Fayoum SC are on their way to the Third Division, while Beni Suef made a step further to the Premier League

Saturday, the 26th of September 2020, 3 pm local time (12 noon UTC), Alassiouty Sports Resort, Egypt, the 19th round of the Egyptian Second Division, Group A.
Fayoum SC lost 1-0 at home to leaders Beni Suef and all their slim hopes for survival in the Second Divison are virtually shattered, while their opponents made an important step in consolidating their top position in the group, also because their main rivals, National Bank, only drew 1-1 against Sohag and are now 2 points behind.
The match started well for Fayoum, which seemed to be well prepared and decided to win. They missed several goal opportunities, especially by Mohamed Refaat. Nevertheless, the visitors slowly balanced the game and towards the end of the first half they got in control, attacking constantly and dangerously. After several chances, including a ball which hit the cross bar, Beni Suef scored in the added time of the first half: a cross from the left side in front of the goal was saved by the goalkeeper but the ball got to Mustafa Al-Safti, who pushed the ball in from close range: 0-1 (45'+2').

 Fayoum (in red) were unable to get at least one point against leaders Beni Suef (in green)

In the second half, the home side tried hard to equalize, to no avail. Beni Suef defended well and they launched counterattacks which could have doubled their advantage. However, the score did not change, despite the high number of opportunities for both teams.
The match was broadcasted live on Facebook by Beni Suef Sports: First half  Second half
Starting line-ups:
Fayoum: Ahmed Khaira - Ahmed Saad, Mahmoud Al-Hussaini, Ahmed Zaki, Mustafa Ahmed "Carlos" - Karim Al Shafei, Ahmed Dabbash - Mohamed Refaat, Ali Afifi, Adham Hassan - Amr Atef Al Fayoumi. Head coach: Karam Jaber.
Beni Suef: Mahmoud Al-Hadari - Hussam Al-Badri, Mustafa Al-Safti, Haroun Ismail, Reda Abdel-Al, Nasr Ramadan, Hussam Issa, Mahmoud Bakri, Karim Ashraf, Mahmoud Abdel-Ati. Head coach: Hassan Moussa.
This result practically puts an end to all hopes of Fayoum SC to save themselves from relegation, unless the Egyptian FA changes the rules regarding relegation after the end of this season. If the same rules apply, Fayoum would be relegated to the Third Division for the first time in more than 25 years.
On the other hand, because of this success, Beni Suef are now the only leaders of Group A, as their rivals National Bank were unable to win against Sohag. Therefore, they are one step closer to reach the Egyptian Premier League, with only three rounds to go.
In the next round, on Thursday, the 1st of October, Fayoum SC will play away to Asyut Petroleum, while Beni Suef SC will play the local derby against Telephonat Beni Suef.
Full results, table and fixtures:

Round 19 (26 September 2020)

National Bank – Sohag 1-1

Telephonat – Al Minya 1-3

Tahta – Shaban Qena 1-1

Fayoum – Beni Suef 0-1

Media – Aluminium 1-3

Dayrout – Asyut Petroleum 0-0

 

Table

 

1	Beni Suef	19	12	5	2	29-9	41	Promotion to Premier League
2	National Bank	19	11	6	2	25-10	39
3	Aluminium	19	11	3	5	25-14	36
4	Shaban Qena	19	8	8	3	15-12	32
5	Asyut Petroleum	19	8	4	7	20-21	28
6	Sohag	19	7	5	7	17-15	26
7	Al Minya	19	7	4	8	21-19	25
8	Telephonat	19	5	8	6	18-20	23	Relegation to the Third Division
9	Media	19	4	7	8	19-29	19	Relegation to the Third Division
10	Fayoum	19	5	3	11	15-20	18	Relegation to the Third Division
11	Tahta	19	2	6	11	13-29	12	Relegation to the Third Division
12	Dayrout	19	3	3	13	17-36	12	Relegation to the Third Division

Round 20 (1 October 2020)

Beni Suef – Telephonat

Al Minya – National Bank

Media – Dayrout

Aluminium – Shaban Qena

Asyut Petroleum – Fayoum

Sohag – Tahta