Al Ahly made a dramatic start to their Egyptian Premier League campaign after coming from two goals down to beat El Sharkia Enppi 3-2 at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, handing Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta victory in his first official match in charge.

The three points were anything but straightforward, with Al Ahly finding themselves in serious trouble during the first half before gradually fighting their way back and eventually completing the comeback through Mohamed Magdy Afsha’s late winner.

Early Shock

El Sharkia Enppi showed no fear from the opening stages and took the lead through Ali Ehab, whose long-range effort put the hosts under immediate pressure.

The visitors were then handed a golden opportunity to double their advantage from the penalty spot, but Mohamed Hamdy fired his effort wide.

That miss did not halt El Sharkia Enppi’s momentum, as Mohamed Essam soon added a second goal after exploiting space in Al Ahly’s defensive line.

Al Ahly responded before halftime through Marwan Attia, whose powerful strike reduced the deficit to 2-1 and brought his side back into the contest.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser before the break, but goalkeeper Abdelrahman Samir produced important saves to preserve El Sharkia Enppi’s lead.

Al Ahly increased the pressure after the restart and created several chances, although Samir continued to frustrate the Red Devils with a series of interventions.

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Ammouta reacted with attacking substitutions, introducing fresh options including Karim El Debes and Sofiane Benjdida as he looked to change the course of the match.

The breakthrough finally arrived when Al Ahly were awarded a penalty following a challenge on Achraf Bencharki. Ahmed Sayed Zizo converted from the spot in the 69th minute to level the score at 2-2.

Afsha Decides It

Al Ahly refused to settle for a draw and continued pushing for a third goal, with Ammouta turning to experienced substitutes Hussein El Shahat and Mohamed Magdy Afsha in the closing stages.

The changes paid off in dramatic fashion. A quick attacking move involving Karim El Debes reached Benjdida, who set up Afsha before the midfielder finished into the net to complete the comeback.

Afsha’s late strike brought an extraordinary opening-round contest to an end, with Al Ahly transforming a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 victory and collecting their first three points of the new season.

The result also gave Ammouta a winning start in his first competitive appearance as Al Ahly head coach, despite the considerable difficulties his team faced during the game.

Al Ahly will next face ZED FC in the second round, while El Sharkia Enppi will look to respond when they meet Wadi Degla.