Defending champions Ahli apparently suffered a CAF Champions League hangover as they slipped to a stunning 1-0 defeat to struggling side Police Union on Wednesday. Defender Ahmed Duiedar scored the winner midway through the second half after converting a penalty. Ahli, who were crowned African champions after overcoming Cameroon's Coton Sport in the Champions League final earlier this month, slumped to their second defeat this season. The 33-time Egyptian champions, who are seeking to win a fifth consecutive league title, remain fifth in the table with 16 points, nine behind leaders Petrojet. Ahli, who will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup next month, would go top if they win their four rescheduled matches. Newcomers Police, who recovered from a disappointing start to their season, moved to the 11th spot on 14 points, two above the relegation zone. Fruitful Strategy Police adopted a fruitful defensive strategy to stave off the threat of Ahli's key players. Ahli's attacking trio Flavio Amado, Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Barakat were kept at bay throughout the first half. Classy playmaker Abou-Treika played an advanced role to support lone striker Flavio but he failed to impress in his new position. Neither side created clear-cut chances but Police surprisingly had the upper hand in a dull half. After 13 minutes, Police striker Ahmed Sonbol received Reda Al-Azab's right-wing cross with a diving header that went wide of the post. Ahli's left-back Sayed Moawad, who deputized for the rested Gilberto, failed to accomplish his defensive duties, leaving huge gaps behind him. The Red Devils' only sight of goal came on the quarter-hour mark.
Abou-Treika's free-kick found the unmarked Flavio, who headed home but his effort was disallowed for offside. Television replays showed that the Angolan's goal was legitimate as he was played onside by a Police defender. Ahli keeper Amir Abdul-Hamid blocked a fierce free-kick from the lively Al-Azab few minutes before the break. Stunning Opener Ahli had a chance to break the deadlock seven minutes after the restart when Moawad was released by a deft Flavio pass. The former Ismaili man's left-footed shot from a tight angle was palmed by Police's Ivorian keeper Aristide Zogbo. It was Ahli's only attempt to grab the opener in the second half. Ahli coach Manuel Jose introduced Qatari Hussein Yasser instead of veteran midfielder Ahmed Hassan in a bid to break down Police's tight defense. But the Egyptian-born winger made little impact as Police remained in firm control. Police were awarded a penalty seven minutes past the hour mark. Mohamed Yehia latched onto a superb through pass to beat the offside trap before rounding Abdul-Hamid, who had no alternative but to bring the striker down. The 29-year-old guardian was lucky to escape a red card as he was only booked. Duiedar stepped up to fire home as the home fans erupted into ecstasy. Police held onto their lead to claim a remarkable win over six-time African champions Ahli. Watch Police Goal
