Egyptian Premier League champions Ahli played out a 1-1 draw with Ismaili as Mohamed Barakat limped off injured for the Reds. Ahmed Shokri's first-half strike was replied to by Ahmed Ali on the hour mark, but Ahli will be more concerned about the injury of their star midfielder ahead of next week's continental showdown. The Egyptian champions clash with Ittihad Tripoli in the CAF Champions League on May 9th as they need to overturn their 2-0 trailing in Libya. After securing a sixth straight title, Ahli reach 61 points at the top, while Ismaili move to fourth on 44 as their hopes of finishing second are blown away. Shokri opener After his double against Mansoura, backup striker Osama Hosni replaced Hani Al-Egeizi beside Francis Doe upfront for the hosts. Ismaili dropped first-choice keeper Essam Al-Hadari after the Egypt number one's controversial comments regarding a return to Ahli last week. Ahli were off to a good start when Shokri fired the opener in the 12th minute, tapping in Barakat's low cross from close range.
The fit-again Sherif Abdul-Fadil, who signed from Ismaili in the summer, was unlucky not to double the lead for Ahli before half time. The center-half struck two powerful freekicks, only for former teammate Mohamed Sobhi to deny him twice. Barakat Blow Barakat, who has been in superb form of late, was once again Ahli's most active player during the game, but his night was over in the 57th minute. The veteran midfielder appeared to have sustained a knee injury as Ahmed Belal came in. Only three minutes after Barakat left the pitch, Ismaili pulled level, thanks to a classy strike from Ali. Ismaili's top scorer received Ahmed Samir Farag's cross with an excellent first touch, before beating Sherif Ekrami with a delicate chip. Veterans Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Abou-Treika were later introduced by Hossam Al-Badri, but neither could make the difference for the Reds.
