El Gounah responded to their opening defeat with a solid 2-0 away win against Modern Sport FC in the Egypt League Cup on January 18, 2026. This victory revived their qualification hopes and avenged Modern Sport's earlier win over Petrojet. El Gounah controlled the tempo of the match and took the lead in the first half through a well-worked team move finished from close range. They doubled their advantage early in the second half from a set-piece, a powerful header that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Modern Sport, so impressive in their previous outing, offered little in response as El Gounah managed the game professionally. The three points set up a dramatic final round in the group, with several teams still in contention for a knockout spot.