The Red Devils snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw with Raja before prevailing 6-5 on penalties to give South African coach Pitso Mosimane his fifth title since he took over at the club little more than a year ago.

A domestic league triumph is still missing for Mosimane though after Ahly surprisingly threw away what looked a comfortable lead to lose last year's title to perennial Cairo rivals Zamalek.

However, the team look well-equipped to regain their crown this season, having started with a bang as they are the only side to bag maximum 18 points from their opening six games.

Nearest challengers Pyramids, who are a point behind having played a game more, were held to a surprise 1-1 draw with Enppi. Ahly can now move four points clear of the Emirati-owned club if they beat Future.

Future, who spent big in the close season to bolster their squad after new owners bought the club from Coca-Cola following its promotion, lie 13th in the 18-team table on seven points, just two above the relegation zone.

Ahly will miss left-back Ayman Ashraf and midfielder Amr El-Sulaya, who faces at least three weeks out after picking up a calf injury while warming up for the Raja clash.

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