Al Ahly held by Al Mokawloon as Emam Ashour returns after 112 days

Al Ahly were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Al Mokawloon Al Arab in a dramatic Egyptian Premier League encounter at the Arab Contractors Stadium.

The hosts took a surprise lead through Islam Gaber shortly before half-time, but Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” restored parity for Al Ahly early in the second half.

The match also saw an Al Ahly goal ruled out for offside, while Amr El-Gazzar suffered an injury and Imam Ashour made his long-awaited return to action.

Al Mokawloon take shock lead

Al Ahly started on the front foot, with Sofiane Ben Jedida sending an early effort from outside the box wide before Zizo delivered a dangerous corner that was dealt with by the Al Mokawloon defence.

Despite controlling much of the opening period, Al Ahly struggled to create clear opportunities. The first serious threat came around the 20th minute when El-Gazzar prevented Al Mokawloon from capitalising on a one-on-one chance.

The pressure eventually told at the other end when the referee awarded Al Mokawloon a penalty after Omar Kamal Abdel Wahed was fouled.

Gaber stepped up and converted from the spot in the 38th minute to give the Mountain Wolves a 1-0 advantage.

Al Ahly came close to levelling before the break, but El-Gazzar headed narrowly wide during stoppage time as the hosts went into half-time ahead.

Zizo levels before Ashour’s return

Al Ahly were dealt another blow early in the second half when El-Gazzar sustained an injury and was forced off in the 49th minute.

The visitors continued to push forward and were rewarded with a penalty in the 55th minute after Achraf Bencharki was brought down by Khaled Abdel Fattah following a challenge inside the area.

Zizo made no mistake from the spot two minutes later, bringing Al Ahly level at 1-1.

There was a landmark moment for Ashour in the 58th minute as the midfielder returned to competitive action after 112 days out.

His last appearance for Al Ahly had come against Al Masry at the end of the 2025/26 Egyptian Premier League season.

Disallowed goal denies Al Ahly

Al Ahly appeared to complete the comeback four minutes later when Mounsef found the net, but the celebrations were cut short after the referee ruled out the effort for offside.

The decision allowed Al Mokawloon to remain in the contest, with both sides subsequently searching for a winning goal.

Ashour almost provided the decisive moment in the 88th minute when he unleashed a powerful effort that flew just centimetres over the Al Mokawloon goal.

Neither side could find a late winner, leaving Al Ahly with a 1-1 draw and two points dropped in a match that also marked Ashour’s return.