CAIRO — Defending champions Al-Ahly was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw with Modern Sport in their Egyptian Premier League opener at Cairo International Stadium.
Midfielder Ahmed Reda put the Red Devils ahead five minutes into the second half, finishing from an Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” pass. Modern Sport hit back in the 59th minute through striker Hossam Hassan, whose strike was confirmed by VAR after initially being flagged offside.
Centre-back Ali Elfil then gave the visitors the lead with a 74th-minute header, before Yassin Marei restored parity for Al-Ahly just five minutes later, again from a Zizo assist.
Al-Ahly pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, with Tunisian midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane heading against the crossbar, but could not find a winner.
The result sees both sides collect a point to start their league campaigns.
Al-Ahly head coach Jose Ribeiro acknowledged in the post-match press conference that his side had anticipated a defensive approach from their opponents.
“We expected them to limit spaces and close the gaps, but we still managed to create some chances in the first half,” Ribeiro said.
Al-Ahly will host Pharco FC on Friday in the second round of the Egyptian League as they continue their quest for a record-extending 46th league title.
ZED 2-0 Contractors
ZED FC made a winning start to their Egyptian Premier League season, defeating newly promoted Arab Contractors 2-0 at the Contractors Stadium.
Right-back Ali Gamal opened the scoring in the eighth minute from the penalty spot after a handball by centre-back Ibrahim El-Kadi, slotting his effort to the right of goalkeeper Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud.
Forward Ahmed Atef doubled the lead in the 61st minute, heading home from a pinpoint cross by right winger Mostafa Saad “Messi.”
Arab Contractors thought they had pulled one back through centre-back Mohamed Hamed, but the defender’s effort was ruled out for offside.
The victory gives ZED their first three points of the campaign, while Contractors remain empty-handed on their return to the top flight.
Smouha 1-1 El-Geish
Smouha and Talae El-Geish opened their Egyptian Premier League campaigns with a 1-1 draw at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
Senegalese striker Pape Badji put the hosts ahead in the 42nd minute with a close-range finish, but Jordanian midfielder Ghaith Al-Madadha leveled just five minutes into the second half.
The stalemate sees both sides collect their first point of the season as they set off on their league journeys.
Ismaily 0-0 Petrojet
Petrojet and Ismaily played out a goalless stalemate at Ismailia Stadium in their Egyptian Premier League opener.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute when Mohamed Ammar received a second yellow card, but Petrojet were unable to capitalise.
Both sides took a point apiece to start their league campaigns.
