Ahly have no option but to win against Smouha Tuesday if they want to keep their desperate bid for a ninth successive Egyptian Premier League trophy alive.
A win would keep their hopes active temporarily as they wait for arch-rivals Zamalek to suffer an unlikely loss against Talae El-Giesh, a day later.
Zamalek only need a single point from their two remaining games to win their 12th ever trophy- their first since 2004, as they lead the table by six points difference.
An Ahly loss to or even a draw against the Alexandria-based club would mean an official crowning of Zamalek as title-winners, even if they lose against El-Geish and Wadi Degla.
Ahly are hosting Smouha, who are currently the only Egyptian representatives in the African Champions League, in PertoSport stadium at 19:30 Cairo time (GMT +2).
The Cairo giants will have a final test next Tuesday against ENPPI.
