Flavio's stoppage-time strike led Ahli to a thrilling 4-3 home victory over nine-man ENPPI as the defending champions edged closer to the Egyptian League summit. Ahmed Al-Muhammadi fired ENPPI in front early in the first-half but Mohamed Abou-Treika leveled the score just before the interval. Vincent Die Foneye restored the visitors' lead shortly after the interval before substitute Emad Meteb drew Ahli level again in the 70th minute. Ahmed Belal, who scored in Ahli's 2-0 win over Ittihad, put the Red Devils ahead nine minutes later after converting a penalty. Celso Halilo looked to have secured a share of spoils when he struck home seven minutes from time from another spot kick. However, Flavio scored in the dying seconds to give Ahli a precious victory. ENPPI finished the game with nine men after Mohamed Ibrahim and Mohamed Thabet 'Sarokh' were sent off for two bookable offenses. On the other side, Ahli could not hold on with their eleven starters as youngster Mohamed Samir, who was given a rare start due to the absence of three defenders through suspension, was dismissed. Ahli moved to third spot on 24 points, just two adrift of leaders Al-Gaish, who played an extra match. ENPPI lie tenth on 13 points. Defensive Blunder The below-par Emad Al-Nahhas gifted ENPPI a stunning opener after just six minutes. The sweeper gave Al-Muhammadi possession instead of clearing a low cross and the Egyptian international made no mistake from close range. Al-Muhammadi could have extended the lead in the 21st minute but his curling free-kick went just wide of the post. Ahli had the first chance in the 35th minute when Osama Hosni connected with Abou-Treika's cross at the near post but his header missed the target. Three minutes before the break, ENPPI midfielder Ayman Saied got the better of Gilberto down the right before firing a powerful shot that was blocked by keeper Essam Al-Hadari. Abou-Treika leveled the score just before the interval, thanks to Belal's good work in the right flank.
The referee raised the red card three times Belal tricked his marker before providing an inch-perfect cross at the far post to Abou-Treika, who headed into an empty net. Another Stunner Another defensive lapse by Ahli helped ENPPI restore their lead two minutes after the interval. Ivorian striker Die Foneye got to the end of Al-Muhammadi's low cross to poke underneath Al-Hadari, capitalizing on a dreadful marking by the inexperienced Samir. ENPPI's hopes of maintaining their lead suffered a blow when Ibrahim received his marching orders for needlessly kicking the ball following the referee's whistle. Ahli Comeback Meteb equalized for Ahli again in the 70th minute after ENPPI keeper Mostafa Kamal terribly parried a cross into his path for an easy tap-in. Ahli were awarded a clear penalty nine minutes later when Belal chested a long ball into the path of Flavio, who went clear on goal only to be halted by Reda Gomaa. Belal stepped-up to send the keeper the wrong way as Ahli became in command. Mozambique defender Halilo also converted a spot kick in the 83rd minute to level the score. Samir, who was guilty of bringing down an opponent inside the area, was dismissed in the process. But Ahli soon had another numerical advantage, when ENPPI energetic midfielder Sarokh received his marching orders. Flavio Rescues Ahli Angolan frontman Flavio ensured Ahli won't go home unsatisfied by their failure to snatch a much-needed win. In the additional time, Flavio's initial shot from inside the area was denied by Kamal. He then made the follow-up and struck into the net to send the home fans into ecstasy.
