Ahly's Forward Anthony Modeste celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during the match with Baladeyet El-Mahalla on Saturday 11 May, 2024. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
Omar Kamal's 79th-minute volley canceled out Magued Hani's opener for Baladeyet El-Mahalla in the 57th minute
With this win, Ahly climbed to 5th place in the Egyptian Premier League table with 33 points 11 adrift of leaders Pyramids FC who have played four games more.
Baladeyet El-Mahalla find themselves struggling in 15th place with 19 points, just three points above the relegation zone.
Ahly dominated the game from the start and had over 70% of ball possession but could not capitalize on their domination in the first half.
South African winger Percy Tau saw his effort brilliantly denied by the keeper in the 26th minute then he headed the ball over the bar a few minutes later from inside the box.
Mahmoud "Kahraba" Abdel-Moneim and Moroccan winger Reda Slim also squandered close chances to break the deadlock.
Ahly were stunned by Hani's striker who collected the rebound on the edge of the area to fire at the top corner just before the hour mark.
Ahly coach Marcel Koller made substitutions, bringing in Karim Fouad, Hussein El-Shahat, Anthony Modeste, Omar Kamal, and Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi to bolster the front line.
Just two minutes after being introduced Omar Kamal fired from inside the box in the 79th minute after capitalizing on a well executed corner from Ali Maaloul.
The Red Devils attacked en masse and had two goals disallowed for offside after VAR check.
In the 99th minute, Modeste was set up by Kamal in the six yards to slot it at the far post and claim a hard-fought win for his team.
Ahly will now turn their focus to preparing for the CAF Champions League final against Tunisia's Esperance, scheduled for 18 and 25 May.
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