Big-spending Pyramids FC remained on top of the Egyptian Premier League table but could be leapfrogged by challengers Ahly later in the day after they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Smouha side in Alexandria on Sunday.  

Pyramids, playing their second match under veteran Argentinean coach Ricardo La Volpe, fell behind after 12 minutes when a header from Smouha's Mahmoud Sayed went past the keeper, who should have done better.

The Saudi-owned outfit, who made some record signings in the close season, pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded in the 23^rd minute when in-form Brazilian winger Keno tricked his challenger and crossed low for midfielder Ahmed Tawfik to stab the ball into an empty net.

Smouha wasted a penalty and Pyramids were also guilty of spurning a late goal-scoring chance when Brazilian forward Carlos Eduardo broke clear, only for his effort to be superbly thwarted by the keeper.

Pyramids, who were held to their second draw of the season, are on top with 11 points, one ahead of defending champions Ahly who can go two points clear of them if they beat El-Entag El-Harby later on Sunday.

Smouha remain fourth with nine points from five matches.