In 2017 Ahly collected only four points from their first three games
The defending champions launched their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Modern Sport in Cairo before a convincing 4-1 win over Pharco FC at the same stadium.
With this latest result, Ahly remain third in the league table with five points from three games, having been exempted from playing last week.
League leaders Masry and Zamalek, both on seven points from three matches, have the chance to extend their leads when they play on Tuesday. Masry will visit Harras El-Hodoud, while Zamalek face Pharco FC.
Ahly started brightly, with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan testing the goalkeeper with an effort from outside the box in the eighth minute. The international winger’s shot was comfortably saved.
The Red Devils dominated possession and came close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed broke clear, but his lob sailed over the bar.
Trezeguet had another opportunity just before halftime, only to see his shot rebound off the crossbar.
Ahly kept the pressure high after the break but had to wait until the 65th minute for a clear chance, when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane failed to connect with Karim Fouad’s cross at close range.
The hosts had their first significant chance in the 78th minute, but Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy comfortably saved Gerndo’s close-range header.
In injury time, Moroccan defender Ben Romdhane had a golden opportunity to seal the game, but his shot from outside the area struck the crossbar, allowing Ghazl El-Mahalla to share the points—a result the hosts appeared content with against the reigning champions.
After four games, Ghazl El-Mahalla have now recorded four consecutive goalless draws.
Ahly face a tough challenge on Saturday when they host Pyramids FC, while Ghazl El-Mahalla will seek their first win—or at least their first goal—when they visit Ismaily on the same day.
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