CAIRO, August 3, 2018 (News Wires) - Second-half substitute Mohamed Sherif scored a last-gasp equaliser to help Al Ahly earn a 1-1 draw with Ismaily in their opening game of the 2018/19 Egyptian Premier League season. After few quiet minutes from both sides with slight possession advantage for Al Ahly, the Red Devils had their first chance in the 16th minute through Ali Maaloul who made a great run on the left side before his effort from a narrow angle was saved by Ismaily keeper Essam El-Hadary. Seven minutes later, Walid Azaro had a great opportunity to put the titleholders in front after receiving a great through ball from Nasser Maher, but the Moroccan striker wasn't quick enough and his weak shot was cleared by El-Hadary. In the 39th minute, Maher had the biggest chance of the first half, after he capitalised on Mahmoud Metwally's mistake and fired a low strike from the edge of the box that hit El-Hadary's left post. Four minutes away from half time, Ismaily earned a free-kick in a great position after a foul on Christopher Mendouga. Hosni Abd-Rabo stepped up but his effort inched the left post. In the first minute of added time, Ismaily's skipper was once again close to break the deadlock but his curling shot was saved by Al Ahly keeper Mohamed El-Shennawy. Nine minutes into the second half, Ismaily's Tunisian striker Laasaad Jaziri put his club in front. Following a brilliant pass from Nader Ramadan behind Ali Maaloul, the Tunisian found the net with a smart finish beating El-Shennawy. In the 68th minute, Al Ahly's substitute Mohamed Sherif had the chance to get an equaliser for the Red Devils after a scramble inside Ismaily's box, but his effort was denied by El-Hadary. In the 76th minute, Azaro had another chance to find the level the scoreline but his header was diverted by El-Hadary into a corner that failed to lead to anything significant. Ismaily tried to defend their lead in the remaining minutes of the game, however, Al Ahly's pressure paid off as Sherif managed to score a late equaliser. Sherif scored off a rebound after Azarou's shot was blocked by the Ismaily defenders and scored from close range. Ismaily will next face Petrojet on Monday, while Al Ahly will play against Al Masry on Tuesday.
