Defender Ayman Ashraf saves Al Ahly with a 94th minute equalizer | VIDEO

Defender Ayman Ashraf struck deep in stoppage time as Ahly salvaged a 2-2 draw with Dakhleya in an Egyptian Premier League thriller on Saturday but lost ground in the title race.

The unfancied Dakhleya looked to have snatched a stunning win when a sumptuous 30-metre piledriver from Hussein Ragab found the top corner of the net with nine minutes remaining to put his side 2-1 up.

However, Ashraf popped up at the far post to volley home a flick from the otherwise wasteful Walid Azaro to secure a share of spoils, although the draw would do little favour to a faltering Ahly side.

Ahly went ahead early in the second half through a simple finish from winger Ahmed El-Sheikh before experienced striker Hossam Salama brought Dakhleya level after robbing the last defender, the novice Ahmed Alaa.

The Red Devils, who are eyeing a fourth successive title, are sixth in the table with 24 points, 14 behind leaders and Cairo rivals Zamalek who played three matches more. Dakhleya moved up to 12th on 19 points.