Al Ahly 1-1 Talae El-Geish | Match Video Review | Egyptian League

Defending champions Ahly had to settle for a surprise 1-1 draw with Talae El-Geish in their opening Egyptian Premier League game on Sunday after some controversial refereeing decisions.

El-Geish stunned Ahly when defender Assem Salah converted from the spot nine minutes before the break, sparking furious protests from Ahly players and coach Hossam El-Badry who argued that the penalty should not have been awarded.

The Red Devils, champions for the past two seasons, were denied a clear penalty at the other end shortly after but playmaker Ahmed El-Sheikh, back to the club after a one-year loan spell with Maqassa, curled home a free kick in the 57th minute to equalise.

Ahly pressed forward in the dying stages but squandered a couple of clear-cut chances to settle for a disappointing draw, just like arch foes and perennial rivals Zamalek who were also held to a 1-1 draw with El-Entag El-Harby on Saturday.

Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has blamed referee Ahmed Hamdy for the draw.

“The referee’s decision affected the outcome of the game,” El-Badry said at the post-match press conference.

“We can accept the referee’s mistakes, but with this huge number of bad decisions it’s difficult to accept,” he said.