El-Shahat came off the bench in the 68th minute and made an immediate impact, scoring the equalizer three minutes later before winning a penalty that was converted by Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan in the 78th minute.
Zamalek had taken the lead in the first half through defender Hossam Abdel-Meguid, who converted a retaken penalty after Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy initially saved Abdallah El-Saed’s first attempt, only for VAR to rule a replay due to encroachment.
Zamalek started brightly, with Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh and midfielder Nasser Maher both missing early chances from close range in the fourth and 11th minutes, respectively.
Ahly responded with a header from Yasser Ibrahim that missed the target and a half-chance following a defensive error by Abdel-Meguid whose poor clearance went over the bar.
But it was Zamalek who struck first when Dabbagh won a penalty following a reckless challenge by defender Yassin Marei.
Dabbagh was later forced off with a muscle injury and replaced by Nasser Mansi.
Ahly dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances until El-Shahat’s introduction.
The winger finished from close range after being set up by Mohamed Sherif, then won a penalty following a rash tackle from Moroccan fullback Mahmoud Ben Tayg.
Trezeguet, in fine form, converted from the spot to score his fourth goal in as many games.
Zamalek pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but lacked composure in the final third.
Substitute striker Amr Nasser came closest but he was unlucky to see his header rejected by the crossbar in stoppage time.
Ahly could have added a third but fullback Omar Kamal missed a gilt-edged chance with the goal at his mercy.
The win lifts Ahly to third place in the Egyptian Premier League, two points behind leaders Zamalek, who have played one game more.
Ahly next face Kahraba Ismailya on Saturday, while Zamalek take on Ghazl El-Mahalla earlier the same day.
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