Hosam Ghaly tussles for the ball with Shikabala

The 107th game between giants Al Ahly and Zamalek ended in thrilling 2-2 draw at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

The ill-fated and highly emotional encounter saw Ahly’s Hossam Ashour sent off and a dozen of yellow cards shown in what was widely termed the league decider.

The game however did not fail to live up to its billing with Zamalek’s Ahmed Al-Sayed breaking the deadlock just 6minutes into proceedings. It triggered an instant response from the visitors who struck through Mohammed Nagi 13 minutes later.

Hussein Yasser restored Zamalek’s lead on 27th minutes and just when the hosts’ thought they’d be running away with all three points, Dominique Da Silva popped up with a crucial equaliser in the 84th minute.

As characteristic of the big Cairo derby, the center referee Kevin Blom from Holland had a very tough time – separating mini scuffles with players and even the managers on the touchline.

The numerous stoppages prompted a 10-minute injury time at the end of the regulated 90minutes and even that had to be cut short with the officials immediately heading for the dressing rooms.

Ahly are now favourites to win their 7th straight league title and their 36th in all, having maintained their five-point lead over Zamalek with three games remaining.

Zamalek once held a commanding six-point lead at the top of the League table, but have crumbled in the second half of the campaign – allowing their bitterest rivals to overtake them.

Ahly edge the historical meetings, having won 37 times and Zamalek 25 times, with 45 draws.