Pyramids FC vs ENPPI — Egyptian Premier League

**Pyramids FC 3-2 ENPPI**

**What set this match apart:** This was a very typical match: only small details set it apart (83% of matches were more unusual than this one). The most striking feature was the direct nature of the play, as both teams recorded a massive volume of accurate long balls (Pyramids FC 41, ENPPI 37; 78 in total, 97th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). Despite this direct approach, the game remained relatively standard in other areas, with the unusualness primarily concentrated in defending (32%), build-up (31%), and duels (26%).

**How it played out:** The attacking phase was characterized by a lack of penetration into the box, with only 7 shots inside the box recorded between the two sides (Pyramids FC 4, ENPPI 3; 11th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). This was mirrored by a lack of wide play, as there were very few accurate crosses in the match (Pyramids FC 2, ENPPI 1; 10th percentile of the two teams' joint volume). While the game lacked sustained pressure in the final third, few corners were in the match, but ENPPI was clearly ahead (ENPPI 5, Pyramids FC 2). In terms of individual actions, few successful dribbles were in the match, but ENPPI was clearly ahead (ENPPI 4, Pyramids FC 1; 74th percentile of gaps). Defensively, Pyramids FC was more active in reading the game, as few interceptions were in the match, but Pyramids FC was clearly ahead (Pyramids FC 5, ENPPI 3; 70th percentile of gaps). Conversely, few tackles were in the match, but ENPPI was clearly ahead (ENPPI 15, Pyramids FC 10; 75th percentile of gaps). Pyramids FC also stood out in the final line of defense, as few blocked shots (defending) were in the match, but Pyramids FC was clearly ahead (Pyramids FC 2, ENPPI 0; 85th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Pyramids FC win 36%, draw 39%, and ENPPI win 25%. With the probabilities so close, every outcome was plausible and no result would have been scandalous. The 3-2 scoreline reflects a wide-open contest where Pyramids FC had 1 big chance to ENPPI's 2.