Goals from Ahmed Abdul-Zaher and Emad Meteb lifted the defending champions against the team who beat them in the first round.

Ahli return to top with the 24th point, two ahead of ENPPI who eased past Wadi Degla on Monday.

Ahli lucky but efficient

It was Smouha who had most of the goal attempts as Hani Saied fired a long-range shot that was parried by Sherif Ekrami after just five minutes.

After scoring three headed goals this season, Abdul-Zaher got the first with his foot ending a goal-mouth scramble that saw Meteb’s attempt blocked after 25 minutes.

From that point, Smouha had many chances to reply, with Ekrami brilliantly saving from his captain Wael Gomaa, who almost scored an own goal to level.

On the stroke of half time, Ahmed Hamoudi produced a fantastic dribble to get past a defender and go one-on-one with Ekrami, only for the offside Ernest Papa Arko to interfere and ruin the play.

Smouha remained the better side after the break and Tarek Hamed almost scored a wonder goal when he deceived the entire Ahli defense before shooting wide, even though the linesman inexplicably raised his flag.

Ahli were to survive more attack as Papa Arko went one-on-one with Ekrami, who was once again vigilant to deny the Ghanaian.

The wasteful Smouha were then punished when a wonderful team move was dispatched by Meteb at the far post, following a terrific assist from Abdul-Zaher.

A moment of controversy saw former Ahli striker Mohamed Fadl go clear on goal, round Ekrami and go down before an empty net, only to get booked for simulation.