Runaway leaders Ahli came from a goal down to claim a 1-1 home draw with Ismaili and maintain their unbeaten run in the Egyptian League. Omar Gamal put the visitors in front nine minutes before the break but Angolan striker Flavio Amado secured a share of spoils 11 minutes from time. Cairo giants Ahli are in charge of the table with 62 points, a massive 19 ahead of second-placed Zamalek. Ahli, who are yet to taste defeat this term, need three points to be officially crowned champions for the fourth successive season. Ismaili lie third in the table with 41 points but they have a game in hand. They aim to finish as runners-up in order to play in the CAF Champions League next season. Ahli coach Manuel Jose had no option but to field 20-year-old keeper Ahmed Abdul-Moniem due to the injury of Amir Abdul-Hamid. Essam Al-Hadari's abrupt departure to Swiss side Sion left the Portuguese manager in keeper selection dilemma Ismaili surprisingly dominated the first 20 minutes and broke through Ahli's area more than once. Hosni Abd-Rabou had a penalty claim waved away by referee Essam Abdul-Fattah after 14 minutes when he was apparently brought down by Ahli defender Mohamed Samir. Three minutes later, Ismaili defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil almost stunned the home crowd but his free header missed the target. Ahli were unlucky to lose sweeper Emad Al-Nahhas to injury. Skipper Shadi Mohamed was introduced instead of the veteran defender. Ismaili took a deserved lead in the 36th minute after a smart move by Gamal.
Abdul-Moniem produced a superb save The mercurial forward sprung the offside trap to receive Abdullah Saied's pinpoint long ball with a deft header past Abdul-Moniem. Ismaili coach Emad Soliman had to replace Hani Saied after the Egypt defender picked up an injury. Ahmed Abdul-Aziz was introduced instead of him. Ahli were awarded a dubious penalty just before the break when an Ismaili defender was adjudged to have fouled Mohamed Barakat. Spot-kick specialist Shadi stepped-up and drilled his penalty down the middle of the goal but Ismaili guardian Mohamed Sobhi was on alert to block his effort. Effective Substitutions Jose's second-half substitutions made the difference for Ahli. He introduced Tunisian Anis Boujelbene and playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika to regain control over midfield. Despite dominating possession, Ahli found it difficult to break down Ismaili's resilient defense. The Dervishes could have also extended their lead in the 65th minute when Mostafa Karim ran onto Saied's through pass to go one-on-one. Abdul-Moniem rushed out to deny the Iraqi striker's shot and preserve the one-goal deficit. Flavio claimed the equalizer in the 79th minute when he rose above two challengers to head home Gilberto's inch-perfect cross past Sobhi. Ahli striker Emad Meteb was involved in an altercation with Abdul-Aziz after the final whistle. The Ismaili man was subsequently red-carded.
