A stoppage-time goal from Wael Gomaa earned Ahli a 2-1 home victory over Ismaili on Sunday to dent their bitter rivals’ hopes of reaching the African Champions League semi finals.
Ismaili, who lost their group stage opener at home to Algeria’s JS Kabylie, looked to have secured a valuable draw when substitute Mohsen Abou-Greisha brought them level ten minutes from time after striker Mohamed Talaat gave Ahli the lead on 58 minutes.
But a far-post header from combative defender Gomaa, who capitalized on a recurring defensive lapse from Ismaili, handed Ahli their first win after they settled for a 1-1 draw at Nigeria’s Heartland in Group B opener.
The goal sparked furious protests from Ismaili’s players and technical staff members, who believed their team should have been awarded a free-kick in the build up after Ahmed Hassan apparently pushed defender Ahmed Hegazi.
Ismaili players surrounded referee Koman Coulibaly after the final whistle. He needed protection from police to leave the pitch.
The Malian official was criticized by Ismaili before the game after local media quoted him as expressing his gratitude to Ahli ‘for their warm reception’.
Ahli are second in the group with four points, two behind JS Kabylie. Heartland have one point while Ismaili lie at the bottom after losing two consecutive games.
