Defending champions Ahly opened their 2025-26 Egyptian Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Modern Sport on Saturday.
Midfielder Ahmed Reda put Ahly ahead five minutes into the second half with a precise header from inside the box.
Modern Sport hit back just eight minutes later when Hossam Hassan found the net, before Ali El Fil’s header in the 74th minute put them 2-1 up.
Ahly responded swiftly, with defender Yassin Marei nodding in the equaliser just four minutes later.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the defending champions struggled to turn their dominance into decisive chances. Mahmoud “Trezeguet†Hassan nearly restored their lead three minutes before the interval, unleashing a powerful strike from distance that flew narrowly past the left post.
In the second half, coach José Ribeiro rang the changes, introducing Taher Mohamed Taher and Karim Fouad for Mohamed Magdy “Afsha†and Mohamed Shokry. Later, Ahmed “Koka†Nabil, Nejc Gradišar, and Achraf Bencharki entered the fray as Ahly searched for a winner.
Their best opportunity came five minutes from time when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane’s header rattled the crossbar. Taher pounced on the rebound, but his close-range effort was smothered by Modern Sport’s resolute defence.
Nine minutes of stoppage time offered Ahly more hope, but the visitors held firm, frustrating the champions and securing a valuable point.
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