Ahly winger Achraf Bencharki celebrates with midfielder Emam Ashour during the match with Haras El-Hodoud. Photo courtesy of Ahly Facebook page.
The match began with a surprise as Haras El-Hodoud dominated the early proceedings, stifling Ahly’s attempts to build momentum.
The hosts’ resolute defense frustrated the Red Devils, who struggled to carve out clear chances.
The Alexandrian side nearly struck first in the 14th minute when a fierce close-range effort forced a sharp save from Ahly goalkeeper Mustafa Shobeir.
Ahly then squandered a golden opportunity in the 33rd minute when Hussein El-Shahat’s pinpoint cross found Nejc Gradisar, whose header rattled the right post before goalkeeper Mohamed El-Zonfoly caught the rebound easily.
The first half ended goalless, prompting Ahly coach Marcel Koller to make two halftime substitutions, introducing winter signing Achraf Bencharki and Amr El-Sulaya for El-Shahat and Ahmed Reda to inject attacking urgency and midfield control.
The changes nearly paid dividends in the 66th minute, as Bencharki weaved past defenders and fired a low cross that was cleared back to him, but El-Zonfoly parried his follow-up shot.
However, the rebound fell to Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali, who scuffed his effort with the goal gaping.
Haras El-Hodoud threatened on the counter in the 73rd minute as Mahmoud Mamdouh breezed from the right flank past Ahly’s backline before lashing a left-footed strike inches wide of Shobeir’s far post.
However, with the match seemingly destined for a draw, Bencharki delivered a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute.
Second-half substitute Omar Kamal whipped a cross from the right to find a Bencharki who expertly controlled before drilling a right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
The 30-year-old Moroccan international, who scored in the two matches he played returning to the Egyptian Premier League in an Ahly jersey earlier this month, was named Man of the Match.
The victory lifts Ahly to 36 points, reclaiming top spot on goal difference ahead of Pyramids FC, who face Ittihad of Alexandria on Friday, while Haras El-Hodoud remain sixth with 22 points.
Ahly will next host Talae El-Geish on Wednesday, while Haras El-Hodoud travel to NBE Club two days earlier.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: