Ahli moved nine points clear at the Egyptian League summit halfway through the season after laboring to a 1-0 home victory over struggling Baladeya on Saturday. Ahmed Belal scored the winner three minutes after re-start to help the Red Devils secure a hard-fought win as they produced a below-par performance. The Cairo giants are nine points clear of second-placed Al-Gaish, who have a game in hand. They are on course to win a fourth consecutive league title. The Egyptian League will stop due to the Pharaohs' preparation for the African Cup of Nations. The action will resume in February. Ahli coach Manuel Jose opted to keep striker Emad Meteb on the bench. Youngster Reda Al-Weeshi partnered Belal upfront. Out-of-favor frontman Abdul-Hamid Hassan was given a rare start, playing as a playmaker due to the absence of star Mohamed Abou-Treika. Ahli continued their recent lackluster displays as they failed to pose any threat on the visitors during the first-half. Baladeya kept their composure and managed to keep Ahli strikers at bay. The hosts' only chance came three minutes before the break when Al-Weeshi's low shot from inside the area went just wide of the post. Belal scored his third goal this season to break Baladeya's resilience in the 48th miunute. He is gradually regaining the form that saw him once considered as Egypt's main striker. Meteb stepped over Moataz Eno's pass and Belal collected the ball on the edge of the area before holding off two defenders and superbly chipping past Baladeya keeper. The 27-year-old hit the back of the net again six minutes later after being fed by Meteb but his strike was ruled out for offside. Baladeya afterwards dominated and produced a spirited display. They were close to snatching a precious equalizer in the 76th minute. A free-kick from the right evaded Ahli keeper Essam Al-Hadari but Ahmed Fahmi failed to get to the end of the cross at the far post.
