Hussein El-Shahat came off the bench to inspire Al Ahly to a 2-1 comeback victory over Zamalek in the Cairo Derby on Monday night.
The Cairo derby was off to a quick start after Zamalek took the lead in the first half. New signing Oday Dabbagh won a penalty after being fouled in the penalty area within the first 30 minutes. Mohamed El-Shennawy saved Abdallah El-Said’s spot-kick, but as per the usual derby drama, VAR ordered a retake, which Hossam Abdel-Meguid converted.
Al Ahly pushed forward but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, with Yasser Ibrahim heading wide and Mohamed Sherif missing from close range. Zamalek could have doubled their advantage before the break, but Nasser Maher and Dabbagh both wasted early chances before the striker was forced off injured.
The second half, however, took a completely different turn after Hussein El-Shahat’s introduction in the 68th minute. Just three minutes later, the winger equalised with a close-range finish from Sherif’s assist. He then won a penalty in the 78th minute after being fouled by Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayg. Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet stepped up to convert, netting his fourth goal in eight games this season.
Zamalek pushed for an equaliser late on, with substitute Amr Nasser striking the crossbar in stoppage time, but Al Ahly held firm. Omar Kamal also missed a golden chance to add a third for the Red Devils.
The result lifts Al Ahly to third in the Egyptian Premier League table, two points behind leaders Zamalek, who have played one game more. The Red Devils will next face Ismailia EC in four days, while Zamalek takes on Ghazl El-Mahalla earlier the same day.