Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan opened the scoring for Ahly in the 24th minute, only for Samuel Amady to equalize for Smouha a minute before halftime. Taher struck in injury time to seal the win.
The defending champions remain third in the standings with 44 points, level with second-placed Pyramids FC, who have a game in hand.
Smouha sit at the bottom with 31 points, 15 adrift of leaders Zamalek.
Ahly started the game on the front foot but struggled to penetrate Smouha’s defence.
Trezeguet, unmarked at the near post, converted a corner from Zizo to put the hosts ahead.
Smouha relied on counterattacks, with Amady and Hossam Ashraf missing early chances.
Amady then broke the deadlock just before halftime, curling a strike into the far corner to send the teams into the break level.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Ahly pressing and Smouha seeking opportunities on the break.
In the 50th minute, Amady found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier, but Smouha failed to capitalize on the chance, leaving the net empty.
Ahly coach Jess Thorup made several substitutions to boost his side. Marwan Osman replaced striker Mohamed Sherif in the 56th minute, while Achraf Bencharki and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane were brought on to strengthen the midfield.
Seven minutes from time, Taher Mohamed Taher came on for defender Yassin Marei, joining the attack.
The move paid off in injury time when Taher powered a header from inside the box to secure the win.
Ahly will have a bye in the next round of the final phase. Their next match is against Pyramids FC on 27 April.
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