Despite the draw, the Egyptian and African champions are still on course of a third successive title as they are in charge of the league table with 63 points, 15 ahead of second-placed Ismaili who have one match in hand.

Ahli striker Emad Meteb should have put the visitors in front after 12 minutes when he was released through on goal by a long pass but his poor effort went wide.

Tunisian midfielder Anis Boujelbene had another chance in the 15th minute as his low shot from the edge of the area missed the target.

One minute later, the out-of-form Meteb controlled a cross inside the area before hitting a left-footed volley that went over the bar.

The Cairo giants were surely missing the presence of playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika as they lacked creativity in their attacking attempts.

Mahalla's first opportunity came in the 27th minute when Ahmed Hassan's powerful first-timer was tipped by Ahli goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari.

Ali Bassiouni almost grabbed the lead for the hosts one minute later after he connected with a corner-kick at the near post to head the ball against the post.

Ahli boss Manuel Jose introduced striker Osama Hosni instead of Boujelbene at halftime in a bid to increase the team's attacking options.

However, it was Mahalla who surprisingly had the upper hand, threatening on a couple of occasions.

10 minutes after re-start, Mahalla striker Mohamed Ateya chested a long ball and fired a shot from the edge of the area but it was blocked again by Al-Hadari.

Ateya wasted a golden opportunity in the 58th minute when he was picked out unmarked by Mohamed Abdul-Shafi's pinpoint cross from the left-flank but he headed over the bar.

Hosni responded with another header from Ahmed Shedid's cross in the 73rd minute but it went inches wide of the post.

Ahli pushed forward but couldn't break the deadlock as the match ended in a goalless stalemate.