Ahli defenders scored twice to give their side a 2-0 victory over Ismaili on Wednesday and move the Egyptian champions closer to retaining their league title. Emad Al-Nahhas put Ahli ahead in the first-half from the penalty spot before Wael Gomaa sealed the victory with a last-gasp header. The victory reinforced Ahli's grip on the league summit on 50 points and one match in hand, leading second-place and arch rivals Zamalek on five points. Ahli's performance was clearly affected by the missing of key duo Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Bakarat through injuries. In the 21st minute, Ahli had their first chance of the game when Mohamed Abdul-Wahab curled a free kick from the right flank at the near post but Angolan striker Flavio Amado failed to deliver as he headed the ball beside the post. The duo were on the spot again just three minutes later when Abdul-Wahab sent a powerful free kick which hit the bar before going into the path of Flavio who headed the ball poorly wide.
Omar Gamal almost put Ismaili ahead in the 30th minute when he made a perfect give-and-go with Abdullah Al-Shahat to bamboozle Ahli's defense but his close-range effort deflected off the post. Ahli were awarded a controversial penalty two minutes before the break when midfielder Mohamed Shawki was allegedly brought down by Ismaili's Sayed Moawad inside the area. Al-Nahhas stepped-up and successfully delivered the ball into the net after sending the keeper the wrong way. In the 76th minute, Flavio missed a golden scoring opportunity when he collected a loose ball inside the area before slamming the ball wide with the goal at his mercy. The unmarked Gomaa ensured the win for the hosts one minute from time as he connected with Abdul-Wahab's free kick to head home.
