The Cairo giants now have 44 points from 18 games - five points ahead of Pyramids FC and Future FC who played two games more.

Tunisian fullback Ali Maaloul converted a penalty in the 2nd minute while Arab Contractors Burkinabe defender Farouck Kabore scored in his own net 20 minutes later.

On the other side, Nigerian striker John Oakley scored Arab Contractors sole goal three minutes before the break.

Ahly jump on top

Less than 2 minutes after the starting whistle, Taher Mohamed gained a penalty kick from a foul against young defender Omar Fayed inside the area, which was converted by Maaloul.

The early goal gave Ahly players a dose of confidence to control the rythm before Kabore punished his own team.

Fullback Mohamed Hany led a counter from the right flank before sending a cross but the Burkinabe defender failed to clear the ball to add the second goal for the hosts.

The visitors tried on many runs to narrow the gap and achieved their mission in the 42nd minute right before heading to the locker rooms.

Unmarked striker Oakley met a pinpoint cross from Joseph Ochaya to score easily with a nice header.

An exciting second half 

The second half saw Arab Contractors Shawky Gharib introduce winger Mamadou Niass at the expense of defender Omar Fayed to pose more pressure on Ahly.

On the oppossite side, Ahly coach Marcel Koller introduced Malian midfielder Alio Dieng into the heart of his midfield at the expense of Marwan Atteya.

The Arab Contractors controlled a great part of the second half but without posing a real threat on Ahly defense who fought fiercely to keep their advantage.

Following the win, Ahly will turn attention to the CAF Champions League.

The 10-time African champions will face South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Saturday before taking on Coton Sport of Cameroon in Garoua six days later.    

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