The Red Devils claimed the scalp of Pyramids, who pipped them to a runners-up spot last season, with an efficient counter-attacking display after adopting an unusual conservative approach on Monday.

The victory eased jitters and ended a disappointing run that saw Ahly win just one out of their previous four games, drawing the other three.

"The win over Pyramids gives us motivation to continue in the right path," Ahly's Swiss coach Marcel Koller told the post-match news conference.

"It also boosts the confidence of the players and gives them the chance to work without much pressure."

Ahly took full advantage of the slip-up of main challengers Zamalek, who suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to Aswan. They moved three points clear of their perennial Cairo rivals on top of the league table.

The team's injury problems took a turn for the worse when versatile wing-back Karim Fouad ruptured an anterior crucial ligament in his knee against Pyramids, an injury that will keep him on the sidelines for at least six months.

He is the second Ahly player to suffer that injury in less than two weeks after influential right-back Akram Tawfik.

Ahly are looking to sign several players in January to bolster their squad before they head to Morocco to take part in the FIFA Club World Cup next month.

They have reportedly agreed a deal for Tunisian youngster Mohamed Dhaoui, a 19-year-old winger who will arrive from Etoile Sahel.

Enppi ended a five-match winless run by beating Ittihad of Alexandria 2-1 in their previous match on Monday. They lie 14th in the 18-team table with 10 points from 11 matches.

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