Players vie for the ball.

CAIRO, Sept 30: Al-Ahly overturned a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over arch-rival Zamalek in a thrilling Egyptian Premier League clash, keeping the title race alive.

The win moved Al-Ahly to 15 points from 8 matches, climbing to third place, while Zamalek remained at the top of the table with 17 points from 9 games.

The match began with high drama when Adi El-Debagh earned a penalty for Zamalek. Abdallah El-Saeed’s initial attempt was saved by Al-Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy after several Al-Ahly players had entered the box. Hossam Abdel-Meguid stepped up to convert the retaken penalty in the 32nd minute, giving Zamalek an early lead.

Al-Ahly’s substitute Hussein El-Shahat equalized in the 71st minute before winning a penalty that Mahmoud Trezeguet converted in the 78th minute to complete the comeback.

In the next round, Al-Ahly will face Kahraba Ismailia, while Zamalek will play Ghazl El-Mahalla.