Ahly players celebrates after winning the match against Petrojet. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
The defending champions are now second in the table with 43 points, four behind leaders Pyramids FC, who defeated Harras El-Hodoud 2-1 earlier in the day.
This match marked the first appearance of interim coach Emad El-Nahass, who replaced sacked manager Marcel Koller after the club’s elimination from the Champions League semi-finals earlier this week.
Ahly started the game in style, scoring two goals in the first 15 minutes, thanks to Wessam Abou Ali and Amr El-Soulaya in the 10th and 15th minutes, respectively.
Abou Ali’s goal was his first with the team since the start of 2025, as he has been far from his last season's form when he finished as the league’s top scorer.
However, the Palestinian frontman squandered two clear chances with poor finishes.
A novice mistake from Ahly international midfielder Rami Rabia gave Petrojet a penalty, which was converted by Rashad El-Metwali in the 41st minute.
Just a few minutes later, Nigerian striker Lucky Emmanuel leveled the score, completing a rare comeback against the Cairo giants.
Moroccan forward Achraf Bencharki was unlucky to see his well-placed effort hit the woodwork in the 62nd minute.
One minute later, coach Emad El-Nahass made a triple substitution, introducing Hussein El-Shahat, Mohamed Magdi, and Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar.
The latter rewarded his coach by scoring the winner with his first touch, executing a lovely volley.
Petrojet tried to equalize and came close, with defender Yasser Ibrahim and winger Hussein El-Shahat clearing the ball off the line on two occasions.
Substitute Mostafa El-Gamal also squandered a clear chance in the dying minutes while the goal was at his mercy.
Ahly will face Harras El-Hodoud on Sunday at Cairo Stadium.
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