John Okoli helps Arab Contractors edge El Gaish to inch closer to continental berth

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward John Okoli played a pivotal role in helping his Egyptian Premier League side, Arab Contractors secure a 2-1 win over El Gaish on Sunday.

Ahmed Alaa Eldin calmly converted a fourth-minute penalty to score the opening goal and hand the driving seat to Arab Contractors at the Gehaz El Reyada El Askari Stadium, Cairo going into the break.

On resuming the second half, Okoli doubled the visitors’ lead from Luis Edward Hinestroza’s assist in the 66th minute for Arab.

El Gaish, however fought back almost immediately and managed to reduce the deficit thanks to Karem Tarek’s strike a minute later.

Okoli played full 90 minutes for Arab Contractors as he scored his second goal of the campaign after 12 league games.

 Arab Contractors occupy the fifth position on the log with 18 points after 12 games, a touching distance to the last continental spot currently occupied by the Pyramids.

Okoli and his team will look to continue their fine run of results when they face El Ismaily on January 13, 2023.