Ahly extended an astonishing winless run to four games after being held to a goalless draw by NBE Club in an exciting Egyptian Premier League clash on Wednesday.
With defending champions Zamalek suffering a second consecutive defeat after losing 1-0 to Talae El-Geish on Tuesday, Ahly, who still have several games in hand, could have taken full advantage with a victory over NBE.
However, they could only collect a point after being guilty of missing several easy chances in the first half.
In the second period, they were lucky not to lose after a daring NBE side missed a sitter three times as Ahly's porous defence was repeatedly exposed on the break.
The fresh stumble will ring alarm bells before Ahly meet Morocco's Wydad in an anticipated African Champions League final on 30 May. They will still play two domestic league games against Enppi and Eastern Company before then.
Ahly lost once and drew three times in their past four league games, scoring only once. Another worrying aspect was an injury first-choice keeper Mohamed El-Shennawi picked up against NBE, which forced him out in the second half.
The Red Devils, who are seeking to wrestle the title back from arch rivals Zamalek, are third in the table with 34 points from 15 games. Zamalek top the table with 41 points from 19 games and Pyramids are second on 39 points from 18 matches.
NBE, who also held Ahly to two draws last season, lie eighth with 25 points.
Source: Al-Ahram
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