JOHANNESBURG: The winless run of African champions Al-Ahly in the Egyptian Premiership stretched to four matches Friday after a 0-0 draw with mid-table Police Union in Cairo.

Although the point extended their lead to four with nine rounds to go in the national championship, the Cairo Red Devils have played one game more than second-placed Ismailia.

The widely anticipated return of injury-plagued Ahly and Egypt midfield star Mohamed Abou-Trika failed to materialize and they played the final 24 minutes a man short after Mohamed Barakat was sent off.

Ahly, who won the African Champions League a record sixth time last November after defeating Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon, are chasing a fifth consecutive Egyptian title. -AFP