Two goals in the last 10 minutes helped Ahli survive a scare from 10-man Masri, beating them 2-0 at Cairo Stadium in the Egyptian Premier League on Wednesday. Ahli struggled to break down the visitors but were helped by the dismissal of Masri defender Amr Al-Desouki, who was sent off for a second bookable offense on 70 minutes. The hosts made the most of their numerical advantage to notch two late goals and secure a much-needed win after surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Gaish in their previous game. Egypt striker Emad Meteb was a peripheral figure until the 82nd minute when he headed home to send the home fans into ecstasy. Substitute Shehab Ahmed made sure of the victory just before the end as leaders Ahli extended their lead over second-placed Petrojet to eight points, with the latter not in action until Thursday. Masri, who failed to extend their unbeaten run to five games after losing their first match under German coach Theo Buecker, lie 13th in the 16-team table with 21 points. Lone Striker Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri fielded three attacking midfielders in Mohamed Barakat, Ahmed Hassan and Ahmed Shokri to support lone striker Emad Meteb. They created a couple of decent opportunities early in the game but Meteb, who was set up by Barakat on the two occasions, wasted them.
He mis-hit his kick from close range after a cross from Barakat before curling his shot wide of the post after a superb individual effort from the mercurial midfielder. Masri managed to contain an Ahli side who lacked creativity and imagination, with veteran midfielder Hassan looking jaded and inspirational playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika, who is still short of match fitness, sitting on the bench. However, the visitors could not trouble Ahli's defense, preferring to be cautious to prevent the Red Devils from finding the net. Al-Badri introduced towering striker Mohamed Fadl in the second half to inject zeal and pile on pressure upfront. He could have made an immediate impact but headed wide with the goal at his mercy few minutes after the restart. Al-Desouki picked up a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Barakat, giving Ahli the chance to take full control of the game. Masri keeper Amir Abdul-Hamid, who left Ahli in January, superbly blocked a Barakat shot from inside the area but was unable to stop Meteb from breaking the deadlock eight minutes from time. Meteb, who scored twice against Gaish, beat his marker to a free-kick from the lively Barakat to head home from four yards out and take his tally to five league goals this season. Midfielder Shehab Ahmed, who replaced the ineffective Abdullah Farouk, wrapped up the win when he collected a back-heeled pass from Fadl before firing a low drive home.
