The team's hero in absence of Mohamed Abou Treika, Mohamed Barakat broke the deadlock and gave Ahli the lead after 13 minutes.

Not for too long as Wael Riad "Cheetos" produced the equalizer for the home side 3 minutes later.

The Red Devils had to wait until the 70th minute before captain Shadi Mohamed scored the decider.

The victory takes Ahli, temporarily, to the top of the table with 7 points in three games.

Coach Manuel Jose was playing the game having in mind his next crucial encounter against ASEC Abidjan on Sunday in the CAF Champions League.

He sidelined some of his key players especially the Angolan winger Sebastiao Gilberto and midfielder Moetaz Eno who is illegible to play with Ahli in their African campaign.

It seemed working especially with Barakat putting his team ahead connecting with a fine cross from Angolan forward Flavio.

Former Ahli midfielder Riad was sent clear on goal three minutes later to level the score and also raise concerns about the title holders' shaky defense.

But with his men on the pitch failing to deliver the goods, the Portuguese tactician had to bring in Gilberto and striker Osama Hosni just after the break to shift a gear up.

The Angolan winger had a huge impact with several runs on the flank offering some close range opportunities for Emad Meteb and Flavio but they lacked in accuracy.

With the strikers failing to prove their efficiency, defender Shadi hit the decider from close range sending in the back of the net a bad cleared ball.

Target accomplished, Ahli slowed down the rhythm of the game in the remaining time to get back home with the three points and the top of the table.