Moroccan winger Achraf Bencharki had a dream start to his Ahly career, scoring a crucial goal against his former club, Zamalek, in the Cairo derby, which ended in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
The January signing came off the bench in the 60th minute and gave Ahly the lead 12 minutes later. However, fellow Moroccan Mahmoud Bentayg equalized for Zamalek six minutes from time, securing a crucial point for his team.
The result puts Ahly at the top of the Egyptian Premier League with 33 points, level with Pyramids FC, who have a game in hand.
Zamalek remain in the title race, sitting third with 28 points after 15 matches.
Ahly controlled the early stages, with Emam Ashour striking the crossbar before sending a follow-up effort over.
Despite dominating possession, the Red Devils struggled to break through Zamalek’s compact defense.
Zamalek gradually grew into the game, relying on set-pieces but failing to create clear-cut chances.
They started the second half brightly, with Nabil ‘Dunga’ Emad forcing a save from Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Bencharki finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, nodding in a superb cross from Nejc Gradisar.
Five minutes later, Ahmed “Zizo” El Sayed came close with a header.
In the 84th minute, Bentayg tapped in from close range, converting Omar Gaber’s cross to bring Zamalek level.
Ahly’s coach Marcel Koller responded with tactical changes, but Emam Ashour’s late effort was deflected wide, sealing a 1-1 draw.
