A depleted Ahli side snapped a three-match winless streak after beating Gouna 1-0 at Cairo Stadium in a dull Egyptian Premier League game on Wednesday. Liberian striker Francis Doe, who made his first start after recovering from a hamstring injury, headed home in the second half after a mistake from the keeper to give Ahli all three points. The Red Devils, who eye a sixth consecutive league crown, returned to winning ways after settling for three successive draws with Ittihad, Zamalek and Ismaili. They top the standings on 32 points, four ahead of nearest challengers Petrojet and five clear of third-placed Ismaili. Promoted Gouna lie 13th in the 16-team table with 14 points, just two above the relegation zone. Ahli will face Military Production on Sunday in their last game before the league break. Coach Hossam Al-Badri once again had to field several youngsters and substitutes in Ahli's starting line up after the team were hit by a string of injuries to their key players. He missed the likes of Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat, Moataz Eno, Gilberto and Sayed Moawad.
Essam Mahmoud committed fatal mistakes Their absence dearly affected the display of the Cairo giants, who lacked the spark needed to break down opposition in a dour first half. Their only chance before halftime fell to Doe on 31 minutes after a recurring blunder from Gouna keeper Essam Mahmoud, who deputized for Ahli-target Sherif Ekrami. Mahmoud let a tame cross from Emad Meteb slip out of his grasp but Doe dithered on the ball with the goal at his mercy to allow Gouna's defense to clear the danger. The second half was also a disappointing affair as neither side were able to create clear-cut chances. However, another mistake from Mahmoud helped Ahli labor to a much-needed win. The 32-year-old guardian's mis-timed jump allowed Doe, who joined Ahli in the close season, to head home from a corner and take his tally to three goals. Gouna dominated possession afterwards but failed in their attempts to notch a decisive equalizer.
