Al Ahly held to 2-2 draw by Modern Sport in Egyptian Premier League start

Egyptian Premier League champions Al Ahly were held to a 2-2 draw by Modern Sport in the 2025-26 season opener at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.

Al Ahly dominated the game but failed to turn possession into clear chances. Winger Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” went close three minutes before the break with a powerful shot from outside the area that shaved the left post.

Despite their dominance, the two sides went in at halftime goalless.

Al Ahly’s coach José Ribeiro introduced Taher Mohamed Taher and Karim Fouad after the restart, and five minutes into the second half Ahmed Reda put Al Ahly ahead with a header from inside the box.

Modern Sport hit back eight minutes later through Hossam Hassan, before Ali El Fil’s 74th-minute header gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Yassin Marei levelled for Al Ahly four minutes later, also with a header.

Ribeiro then brought on Ahmed “Koka” Nabil, Nejc Gradišar and Achraf Bencharki in search of a winner.

The champions’ best chance came five minutes from time when Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane’s header struck the crossbar, with Taher’s close-range follow-up blocked by a resilient Modern Sport defence.

Nine minutes of stoppage time failed to produce a breakthrough as the hosts’ compact back line held firm to secure a point.

Al Ahly will face Pharco FC in the second round of the Egyptian Premier League on Friday, 15 August, at Cairo International Stadium.