Ahly's Forward Trézéguet in action during the match against Haras El-Hodoud. Photo courtesy of Ahly.
The Cairo giants built on last week’s win over Ceramica Cleopatra, clinching their second consecutive league victory at the Military Academy Stadium.
The result eased some of the pressure on the defending champions, who are still searching for consistency.
The win lifted Ahly into the top four with 12 points, though they remain four points behind leaders Zamalek, who are set to face Gouna later on Tuesday.
Slovenian striker Nejc Gradisar gave Ahly an early lead in the third minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.
However, Haras El-Hodoud responded quickly, equalizing in the eighth minute through Mohamed Hamdy Zaki, who met a low cross from the left wing and sent it into the back of the net.
Just before halftime, Ahly regained the lead when Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan converted a penalty in the 46th minute after a foul on defender Sayed Marei.
Haras El-Hodoud restored parity again in the second half, with Islam Abou-Salima scoring the equalizer in the 53rd minute, converting a corner kick into the far corner of the net.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim netted the winning goal.
After Trezeguet’s shot was blocked by the left post, Ibrahim was first to the rebound, directing the ball into an empty net.
Despite a thrilling five-goal match, both teams displayed subpar performance and defensive sluggishness.
Haras El-Hodoud had a prime opportunity to score a third goal. Mahmoud Sayed’s one-on-one effort against goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was saved, and a subsequent looping shot from outside the box sailed narrowly wide of the far post.
Meanwhile, Ahly's high-pressure tactics created chances that went unfulfilled. Substitute striker Mohamed Sherif squandered three separate opportunities, and Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki also missed a clear shot near the end of the game.
Ultimately, the win provides some comfort, but the unconvincing performance is raising doubts about the team's readiness for their crucial clash with Zamalek on 29 september.
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