Hussein Ammouta starts Al Ahly reign with dramatic comeback win over Enppi

Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta began his Al Ahly reign with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over El Sharqia Enppi in the opening round of the Egyptian Premier League.

Al Ahly appeared to be heading for defeat after falling two goals behind inside the opening 24 minutes at Cairo International Stadium, but the defending champions produced a remarkable turnaround to claim all three points.

Morocco international Ashraf Bencharki was named Man of the Match after playing a key role in Al Ahly’s comeback.

Enppi take early control

Enppi stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the 17th minute.

Ali Ehab collected the ball after Al Ahly failed to properly deal with a cross from the right. Ahmed Nabil Koka was unable to clear the danger and Ehab took advantage, firing a powerful effort from outside the box that went underneath Mostafa Shobeir.

Enppi were then handed an opportunity to extend their advantage when they won a penalty in the 23rd minute after Karim Fouad committed a foul inside the area.

Mohamed Hamdi, however, sent his spot-kick wide of the left post.

The visitors did not have to wait long for their second goal.

A minute later, Emad Mahyoub found Mohamed Essam, who exploited a gap in the Al Ahly defence before firing into the bottom-left corner to make it 2-0.

Al Ahly begin fightback

Al Ahly responded before half-time through Marwan Attia.

The midfielder collected the ball after Enppi failed to fully clear a cross and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner of Badi Samir’s goal.

The goal gave Ammouta’s side renewed hope and reduced the deficit to 2-1 at the break.

Al Ahly continued to press after the interval as they looked for an equaliser.

Zizo levels from the spot

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 69th minute when Bencharki was fouled inside the penalty area.

Enppi players protested the decision, but Ahmed Sayed Zizo stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to the goalkeeper’s right.

The equaliser put Al Ahly back on level terms and set up a tense finish.

Afsha completes stunning comeback

With the match seemingly heading towards a draw, Al Ahly completed their comeback in the 90th minute.

Karim El Debis found Soufiane Benjedida, who produced an excellent backheel to release Mohamed Magdy Afsha inside the penalty area.

Afsha controlled the ball before firing a low shot past Badi Samir and into the net, sending the home supporters into celebration.

The final whistle confirmed a 3-2 victory for Al Ahly and handed Ammouta three points in his first competitive match as the club’s coach.

The comeback also provides the Moroccan coach with an early boost as Al Ahly begin their league campaign.