Ahly wasted a chance to close the gap on leaders Zamalek to seven points when they threw away their lead to settle for a 1-1 draw with Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday.

Islam Roshdi, who also scored in Ahly's 2-0 victory over Maqassa in their previous match, let fly from 25 metres to open the scoring midway through the first half but Islam Mohareb pounced on a defensive error to restore parity four minutes past the hour mark.

The title holders, who had already conceded title defeat, could have maintained their slim hopes of causing a huge upset had they defeated Gouna as arch-rivals Zamalek leaked a stoppage-time goal to draw 1-1 at Petrojet.

Zamalek, who need 10 points from seven matches to win their first league title since 2004, kept their nine-point lead over Ahly intact. They can also move 12 points clear if they win their game in hand over their Cairo foes.

Gouna, who also held Zamalek to a 1-1 draw early this month, proved a resolute opponent once again to deprive Ahly of their fifth win in six league matches under coach Fathi Mabrouk, who replaced Spaniard Juan Garrido last month. They lie 13th in the table with 44 points, two ahead of the relegation zone. 

Ahly wasted an early chance when lone striker Ahmed Abdel-Zaher hit the side netting from a tight angle at the far post following a diagonal cross but that was the only opportunity created in a dull first half.

The Red Devils got what they needed though when Roshdi neatly touched a pass with his right foot to steady himself and fire a powerful shot from the edge of the area that bounced in front of the goalkeeper and into the net.

The rest of the first half was scrappy as Ahly eased off while Gouna, who lacked creativity, struggled to impose themselves in the final third.

Ahly striker Amr Gamal, who is known for his aerial prowess, came on in the second half to make his first appearance since rupturing a cruciate knee ligament last October and in-form playmaker Ramadan Sobhi, 17, was also introduced as coach Fathi Mabrouk sought to inject zeal upfront.

However, the defensive frailties which haunted Ahly many times this season allowed Gouna to secure a share of spoils when Syrian striker Abdel-Fattah El-Agha flicked a long ball into the path of the unmarked Mohareb, who made no mistake from inside the area.

Ahly pressed for a precious winner in the latter stages but they were thwarted by a tight defence.

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