Al Ahly beats Smouha 2-1 in the Egyptian League | VIDEO

Substitute Islam Mohareb scored against his former club to give Ahly a 2-1 home victory Smouha as the Red Devils closed to within two points of Egyptian Premier League leaders Ismaily on Wednesday.

Playmaker Abdallah El-Said converted a penalty three minutes before the break to put Ahly in front but substitute Banou Diawara drew Smouha level with a brilliant header early in the second half.

However, Mohareb, who had been on the pitch for a few minutes, made the most of a rare Ahly appearance to net the winner against the club he left last summer five minutes past the hour mark.

The Cairo giants, who are eyeing a third consecutive league title, returned to winning ways after a sudden slump in form saw them suffer a 3-2 defeat by Maqassa before being held to a 1-1 draw by lowly Tanta.

They moved second in the table with 29 points, just two behind leaders Ismaily who played two matches more. Smouha are eighth on 19 points.