Egyptian champions Ahli, with a second string line-up, suffered their first defeat of the season after losing to relegation-threatened Ittihad 2-0 at home on Thursday. Former Ahli frontman Abdul-Hamid Hassan notched a brace against his former club as Ittihad secured invaluable three points to ease their relegation fears. The Alexandria-based club moved into 12th place of the league table on 26 points, one ahead of the relegation zone with four matches to go. Ahli were crowned league champions for the fourth successive season after a goalless draw with Baladeya last week. Consequently, Portuguese coach Manuel Jose fielded a weakened side as he rested a host of regulars following the league triumph. The hosts had two efforts to break the deadlock in the first half. Ahli striker Reda Al-Weeshi, who has yet to prove his worth since his arrival from Railways in the summer of 2007, squandered a golden chance to put his side ahead. In the 16th minute, Al-Weeshi was picked out unmarked by Ahmed Belal's low cross, but his mis-hit shot went into the hands of Ittihad keeper Essam Mahmoud.
Youngster Hesham Hussein's left-footed volley in the 33rd minute went just over the bar. Ittihad dominated afterwards and exposed Ahli's shaky defense on several occasions. The visitors deservedly went ahead in the 37th minute when a cross from the left was superbly chested by Mahmoud Sobhi into the path of Hassan. He beat the offside trap, rounded Ahli stand-in keeper Ahmed Abdul-Monem and slotted into an empty net. Jose introduced three key players in the second period in a bid to level the score. Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Meteb and Mohamed Barakat stepped onto the pitch to spare Ahli blushes. The trio was unlucky as Ittihad extended their advantage few minutes after their introduction. In the 62nd minute, the in-form Sobhi chested Rami Saied's cross at the near post before his overhead kick found Hassan on the goal-line, leaving him with the easiest of tap-ins.
