Egyptian Premier League: Al Ahly held by hosts ENPPI; Dodo wins it late for Pyramids

Photo Credit: Al Ahly SC

After a couple of victories that indicated a return to dominant form for African club champions Al Ahly, the attacking struggles arrived again on Monday. Ahly could only manage a 0-0 draw at ENPPI and were fortunate to avoid defeat after ENPPI's Ahmed Kalosha missed a late penalty kick.

Marcel Koller's team dominated possession but failed to break down a stubborn ENPPI team who executed a defensive strategy that focused on counter attacks. After being held to a stalemate, it appeared that disaster had struck the Egyptian champions when right back Akram Tawfik blocked an ENPPI shot with his hand resulting in a penalty kick. However the visitors were spared when Kalosha fired his spot kick far over the bar.

Meanwhile, in the other early match played simultaneously, hosts El Gouna appeared set to hold Pyramids FC to a similar result but the visitors found a crucial goal late in the match.

Mohamed "Dodo" El Gabas, a 36-year-old former Swindon Town and Egypt national team forward who has played a bit part since joining Pyramids, produced the moment of magic in the ninth minute of second half stoppage time with a beautiful curling effort. Only a few minutes before, El Gabas was denied a goal by VAR but his first Egyptian Premier League goal since the 2022-23 season confirmed victory for Pyramids.

Pyramids move level with Zamalek at the top of the table with 14 points each while Ahly remain two points back with one less match played. In the two later matches, Petrojet hosted a thrilling 1-1 draw against ZED FC with ZED claiming a point after Shady Hussein leveled the match deep into second half stoppage time.

Finally, Pharco FC defeated Alexandria club Smouha with a 2-1 result in favor of the hosts. ZED and Pharco are level on 10 points each in sixth place while Petrojet climb into eighth place following another positive result.

Results

ENPPI 0-0 Al Ahly

El Gouna 0-1 Pyramids FC

Pharco 2-1 Smouha

ZED FC 1-1 Petrojet

League Table (Top-5)

	Games Played	Points
Zamalek	7	14
Pyramids FC	7	14
Al Ahly	6	12
Ceramica Cleopatra	6	11
Al Masry	6	11