Al Ahly held by Al Mokawloon as Pyramids FC take Egyptian league lead

Al Ahly were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Mokawloon Al Arab in the fourth round of the Egyptian Premier League, allowing Pyramids FC to move clear at the top of the table.

The match, played at Al Mokawloon Al Arab Stadium, marked Al Ahly’s first setback of the league season. The defending side collected one point to move on to 10, level with Zamalek, while Al Mokawloon Al Arab climbed to four points and sit 13th.

Pyramids FC are now the division’s only leaders with 12 points.

Penalty gives Al Mokawloon the advantage

Mohamed El Shenawy returned in goal for Al Ahly after missing their first three league matches.

The game began at a high tempo, with both teams making an aggressive start. Al Mokawloon midfielder Doko Dodo was booked following a strong challenge on Zizo.

The hosts came close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute when Idrissa Thiame broke through on goal. Amr El Gazar intervened at the crucial moment, however, and blocked the attempt.

Al Ahly responded when Zizo burst forward down the right and sent a low cross into the area. The Al Mokawloon defence cleared the ball before it could reach Monsef Bekrar.

Al Mokawloon were awarded a penalty in the 36th minute after Mohamed Hany brought down Omar Kamal inside the area.

Islam Gaber took responsibility from the spot and put his side ahead three minutes later, sending the penalty to Mohamed El Shenawy’s left.

Al Ahly almost levelled before half-time when Zizo delivered a free-kick into the penalty area. Amr El Gazar met it with a powerful header, but the ball went narrowly wide of the post.

Al Mokawloon went into the interval with a 1-0 lead.

Zizo restores parity

Al Ahly suffered an early blow after the restart when Amr El Gazar was forced off with an injury in the 49th minute. Hady Riad came on as his replacement.

The visitors were awarded a penalty six minutes later after Ashraf Bencharki was fouled. Zizo converted from the spot in the 56th minute to bring Al Ahly level.

Imam Ashour and Ahmed Reda were introduced in the 59th minute, replacing Bencharki and Ali Mahmoud.

Al Ahly appeared to have taken the lead when Monsef Bekrar found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Zizo received a yellow card in the 71st minute after a strong challenge on Khaled Abdel Fattah.

Al Ahly made their final changes in the 84th minute, with Hussein El Shahat and Aqtay Abdullah replacing Monsef Bekrar and Sofiane Bendjiguid.

Imam Ashour then went close to completing the comeback, striking a powerful effort from outside the penalty area that flew over the crossbar.

Despite Al Ahly’s late attempts to find a winner, neither side could add to the score. The draw left Al Ahly level on points with Zamalek and handed Pyramids FC sole possession of first place.