A trademark Flavio header gave Ahli a 1-0 playoff victory over Ismaili and a fifth consecutive Egyptian Premier League title on Sunday. The Angolan's early goal was enough to hand the Red Devils their 34th league triumph. His 12th goal of the season helped him finish the campaign as joint top scorer along with Gaish striker Ernest Papa Arko. Coach Manuel Jose, the mastermind of Ahli's glorious five-year reign, finished his adventure with Egypt's most successful club in the best possible way. The Portuguese, widely regarded as the finest coach in the team's history, is set to take over at Angola. It was the second playoff victory for Ahli over fierce rivals Ismaili in the competition's history, having defeated the Dervishes 4-3 in the 1993/1994 season decider. Three-time Egyptian champions Ismaili were denied the chance to win their first league title since 2002. Early Goal Flavio needed five minutes to fire Ahli in front after once again making the most of his aerial prowess. He rose above his marker Moatassem Salem to head Gilberto's free-kick from the left past Ismaili keeper Mohamed Sobhi. Versatile midfielder Ahmed Fathi, who scored the invaluable winner against Gaish on Wednesday, unsettled Ismaili's defense through his energetic moves. He could have doubled Ahli's advantage in the eighth minute when he latched onto a through pass from Mohamed Abou-Treika to go clear on goal but a last-ditch interception from Dario Khan deflected his shot over the bar.
Ismaili began to find their rhythm afterwards, thanks to the tireless work of natural central defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil, who played as a right winger. Abdul-Fadil got the better of Ahli's left wingback Gilberto more than once to help Ismaili pile on pressure. The Dervishes' midfielder Mohamed Hommos was unlucky to see his powerful right-footed shot strike the bar on 25 minutes. Striker Mostafa Karim also threatened Ahli keeper Ramzi Saleh when he shot on the turn from inside the area but the Palestinian parried his effort. Despite Ismaili's pressure, Ahli still had the better chances to increase the gap after some neatly-worked counter attacks. On 30 minutes, the in-form Fathi skipped past two defenders and went one-on-one with Mohamed Sobhi, who superbly blocked the Egyptian international's low shot. Ismaili's Brazilian coach Ricardo introduced talented midfielder Mohab Saied and Nigerian striker Nasigba John-Jumbo in the second half in a bid to put Ahli under more pressure. However, neither made a notable impact as Ismaili failed to unlock Ahli's tight defense despite dominating possession. Following the final whistle, Ahli players poured onto the pitch to celebrate winning the prestigious accolade. Watch Flavio's goal Game Highlights
