Smouha cemented their position at the top of the Egyptian Premier League table following a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Maqassa away from home Thursday.

The Alexandrians took the lead through Egypt international Ahmed Hammoudi before being pegged back by two superlative goals from ex-Zamalek hitman Hussein Hamdy and Hesham Mohamed in quick succession at the stroke of halftime.

Visitors Smouha, however, showed they were not ready to risk the top spot to second placed Ahly, who take on basement side Ragaa later in the day, by adding two further goals through Hany El-Egeizy and Ibrahim Abdel-Khalek in the second half.

Smouha, who still have a game in hand, go six points clear at the top of Group A. A victory for Ahly would narrow the gap to three points.

Petrojet also ensure leadership

Another group leaders to tighten their grip on a top spot were surprise package Petrojet who needed a last gasp goal to edge out Qanah in Group B.

Petrojet top scorer Mohamed Ragab notched the opener on 30 minutes after pouncing on a goalkeeping howler before seeing his goal cancelled out by teammate Ahmed Magdy who headed past his own keeper.

Ragab, however, struck deep into stoppage time after breaking clear and rounding the keeper to seal all three points and take his personal tally to five goals this season.

Petrojet are now eight points clear of second placed Ismaily on 29, but the latter has played a game less.

Contractors stumble

In Group A, third placed Arab Contractors failed to pile up pressure on Ahly after being held to a goalless draw by Ghazl El-Mahalla away from home.

Contractors remain third, level on 23 points with Ahly who have a better goal difference.

Elsewhere, ENPPI failed to move out of the relegation zone after playing another Group A scoreless stalemate with Gouna.

ENPPI are ninth on 14 points from as many games as Gouna lie seventh on 16.

Dakhleya win

Dakhleya secured their third win of the season after beating El-Entag El-Harby 2-0 in all-African goal affair.

Second half goals from Sano Youssef and Lama Kone were enough to earn Dakhleya a win — their third this season, inclusive of a surprising win against African champions Ahly.

Dakhleya lie sixth in the middle of the table on 17 points, three off the relegation zone.     

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