A second-half spot kick from skipper Shadi Mohamed gave the holders and current leaders the three points in a below-par game at Military Academy Stadium.

Ahli opened a nine-point gap with Zamalek and Al-Gaish, having 36 points at the summit, while Cement remain rock bottom with ten points.

The Reds missed the services of suspended trio Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Al-Nahhas and Hossam Ashour, in addition to the injured Mohamed Barakat.

The first half lacked rhythm as Ahli made some shy maneuvers against an ultra-defensive Cement side, who conceded 28 goals in 14 games before this game.

Rami Adel's long range effort went just wide and goalkeeper Wissam Ismail was equal to Ahmed Al-Sayed's header from Moetaz Eno's perfect cross.

Manuel Jose took off midfielder Ahmed Sedik eight minutes from the break, bringing on Reda Al-Weeshi, who had the best chance of the half in injury time.

The Ahli summer signing was within a whisker of scoring his first goal for the club, but his effort was cleared off the line by Mohamed Reda 'Bobo', who is on-loan from Ahli.

However, the 20-year-old defender was guilty of conceding a second-half penalty, which proved to be the turning point of the game.

Bobo unnecessarily shoved Emad Meteb, who was with his back to goal, handing Ahli a 31st minute penalty converted cleverly by Shadi to round off a dull win.

Two minutes later, Al-Weeshi was again unlucky to see his powerful shot come off the hands of Ismail into the left post.