File photo of an Egyptian Premier League game between Ahly and Arab Contractors (Ahram)
The Red Devils claimed two successive wins over Gouna and Maqassa to keep in touch with the leading duo in the final stretch of the season, ending a run of disappointing results that included a 2-0 loss to Pyramids.
They have two matches in hand, including the Arab Contractors tie. If they win those games, they will leapfrog Pyramids into second and move to within three points of Zamalek.
Ahly are third on 54 points, five behind Pyramids and nine adrift of Zamalek.
They scraped a 1-0 win over bottom side Maqassa on Wednesday after producing another below-par display, although they can be excused due to a raft of absences and exhaustion resulting from a packed run of fixtures.
"Today's victory came in a very important time, as we currently have to play a lot of games in a short period," Ahly's Portuguese coach Ricardo Soares said.
"We have to be realistic, we have a lot of games to play and multiple injuries which puts additional pressure on us.
"Therefore, it was important to win today in order to be confident ahead of our upcoming games."
A win for relegation-threatened Arab Contractors will be vital to keep alive their hopes of staying in the top flight. The Mountain Wolves are third from bottom with 24 points, two adrift of safety with eight matches remaining.
Ahly will most a host of regulars due to injuries, including striker Mohamed Sherif, midfielder Amr El-Sulaya and winger Hussein El-Shahat, who are all ruled out for the rest of the season.
South African forward Percy Tau remains sidelined while right-back Mohamed Hani will not be available due to automatic suspension.
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