Ramadan Sobhi came off the bench to strike late and give Ahly their third win in as many games under new coach Fathi Mabrouk as they beat Dakhleya 1-0 on Wednesday to keep alive their slim hopes of retaining the Egyptian Premier League title.
The 17-year-old, a talented playmaker who often plays a bit-part role despite his huge potential, ended the resistance of the resolute Dakhleya with 13 minutes remaining as Ahly continued their resurgence under Mabrouk.
Mabrouk, who had two previous spells as an Ahly caretaker boss, took over after Spanish coach Juan Garrido was sacked following a string of poor results that included a second straight African Champions League elimination from the round of 16.
It’s the first time that Ahly have managed to keep a clean sheet in three consecutive matches, having crushed Nasr 3-0 before routing El-Geish 4-0.
The Red Devils remain third in the table with 55 points, three behind ENPPI, who played an extra game, and eight behind leaders and arch-rivals Zamalek who have a game in hand.
Ramadan Sobhi wins it for Al Ahly | Match Video Review
