Al Ahly scored from a spot-kick in extra time to salvage a 1-1 draw against Ceramica Cleopatra, although they extended an unusual winless run to three games in the Egyptian Premier League on Saturday.
Ceramica were close to causing an upset by beating their illustrious opponents after substitute Bassem Morsi finished off a superb move with a powerful volley that nestled into the far corner with two minutes remaining.
Morsi’s goal came shortly after Ahly, who were otherwise lethargic, wasted two clear-cut chances.
However, the Red Devils avoided what would have been a second defeat of the season 11 minutes into the additional time after playmaker Magdi Afsha tucked away a penalty that was awarded following a lengthy VAR review.
The referee adjudged Ceramica’s Ahmed Mohsen to have committed a foul when he stuck out a leg to make contact with Ahly substitute Mohamed Mahmoud as he headed a cross into the hands of the keeper.
The draw would do little to appease the anger of Ahly’s fans, especially as it comes just a week before the team host Algeria’s ES Setif in the first leg of the African Champions League semi-final.
The Cairo giants slumped to their first defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to Masry on 9 April before being held to a 0-0 draw by Talae El-Geish on Wednesday. It’s the first time they endure a three-match winless run since late 2019.
They lie second in the table with 33 points, five behind leaders Zamalek, who played two games more. Ceramica are 13th with 18 points.
