Al-Ahly failed to break down Arab Contractors in a pulsating Egyptian Premier League encounter that ended 1-1 at the Arab Contractors Stadium, with the Red Devils denied by a disallowed goal and two penalty decisions on a night marked by Emam Ashour's long-awaited comeback.
The hosts stunned the Cairo giants by taking the lead through Islam Gaber's 38th-minute penalty after Omar Kamal Abdelwahed fouled inside the box. Despite Al-Ahly's early dominance, neither team created a clear-cut chance until the 20th minute, when Amr El-Gazzar had to be alert to deny Arab Contractors' best opportunity. The first half ended with the Mountain Wolves holding their surprising advantage, with El-Gazzar's header flying wide in stoppage time as Al-Ahly pushed for an equaliser.
Penalties and Comeback Drama
The second half erupted into action after El-Gazzar suffered a serious injury that forced him off in the 49th minute. Al-Ahly ramped up the pressure immediately, and Bencharki's penetrating dribble earned a penalty when Khaled Abdelfattah committed a violent challenge in the 55th minute. Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" coolly converted from the spot two minutes later to level the contest at 1-1.
Just 60 seconds after the equaliser, Emam Ashour stepped onto the pitch for his first appearance in 112 days, marking his return since the 2025-26 season finale against Al-Masry. The momentum swung entirely toward Al-Ahly moments later when Mohamed Beker appeared to have given them the lead in the 62nd minute, only for the referee to rule the goal out for offside. That controversial decision proved decisive, as Arab Contractors dug in defensively to secure a point.
Ashour nearly marked his comeback with a winner when his spectacular effort flew inches over the crossbar in the 88th minute, embodying Al-Ahly's frustration on a night where dominance failed to translate into victory. The draw leaves Al-Ahly searching for consistency in the Egyptian top flight as their title ambitions face another test.
