Egyptian league leaders Al Ahly survived an almighty scare after missing a penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw against El-Entag El-Harby at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Friday.
Al Ahly rode their luck against their opponents early in the game as defender Mahmoud Metwaly was forced to make a goal line clearance to keep the game at 0-0.
Defender Ali Maaloul missed his spot-kick in the 18th minute and Al Ahly was punished nine minutes later when veteran midfielder Ahmed Afifi gave El-Harby the lead going into halftime.
Al Ahly, keen on protecting a 19-game unbeaten run in the league, came out stronger and completely dominated the second half registering nearly 60 percent possession and did not allowing their opponents to make any attempts on goal.
Al Ahly’s pressure eventually paid off when midfielder Amr Soleya netted the qualiser with 13 minutes left but the eight-time African champions were unable to find a winner thereafter.
The draw meant that Al Ahly remained top of the table with 53 points, 15 clear of second-placed Zamalek who edged Misr Lel Makassa 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a 94th minute strike by Mohamed Hossam.
In other games, El Gouna and Al Ittihad drew 1-1 with Yasser Rayan and Islam Gamal Hamed both scoring respectively. Al Ittihad remained in fifth place with 29 points, five off fourth-placed Arab Contractors while El Gouna is 10th on 21 points.
Elsewhere, a 25th minute penalty from Ahmed Said earned Wadi Degla a 1-0 win against Haras El Hodood to lift them out of the relegation zone and into 14th place with 18 points. Haras El Hodood is just two places and a point above Wadi Degla.
In the only game on Sunday, Pyramids F.C. can reclaim second place from Zamalek if they defeat El Gaish at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
