Ahli continued their march towards a third successive Egyptian League title after grabbing a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Tersana at Military Academy on Friday. In-form Angolan striker Flavio struck on either side of the interval but was cancelled out twice by strikes from Allam Bou-Farma and Hossam Hassan's controversial penalty. But another spot kick from defender Emad Al-Nahhas six minutes from time sealed the win for the Cairo giants. Ahli are in charge of the league table with 59 points, 14 ahead of second-placed Ismaili who have one game in hand. Striker Ahmed Belal, who made his debut after arriving from Turkish side Konyaspor, was fielded in the frontline to accompany Flavio due to Emad Meteb's suspension. Ahli had the first chance after ten minutes when Flavio's miss-hit shot fell into the path of Mohamed Shawki inside the area but the defensive midfielder's shot went wide of the post. Flavio opened the score line six minutes later after he fired a powerful right-footed drive from long-range into the top corner of the net. Belal squandered a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 35th minute when he controlled Flavio's brilliant back-heel pass but his hesitation to shoot in front of goal helped Tersana's defense clear the ball.
Flavio became Ahli's top scorer In the 38th minute, Belal connected with Ahmed Adel's cross to head the ball over the bar before sending a curling free-kick that was blocked Tersana keeper Ahmed Saad two minutes later. Three minutes after the interval, Shawki was released on one-on-one situation following a superb one-two with Belal but the Egypt international's effort went poorly into Saad's hands. Substitute Bou-Farma leveled the score against the run of play in the 51st minute after receiving Islam Taher's cross at the far post with a close-range shot into the back of the net. Flavio restored the lead for Ahli six minutes past the hour mark when he towered to head home Tarek Al-Saied's pinpoint free-kick from the right flank. Tersana were awarded a controversial penalty in the 75th minute when veteran striker Hassan was apparently brought down by Adel inside the area. Television replays showed there was no contact. The 40-year-old former Egypt international stepped-up to notch home the equalizer. Al-Nahhas came to the rescue in the 84th minute as he scored from the spot after Taher tackled down Al-Saied.
