The mercurial midfielder won the spot kick in the second half before Mohamed Abou-Treika converted it to seal the Red Devils' win.

Egypt ace Barakat has a history of theatrical dives but he stressed he wasn't trying to trick the referee this time around.

"No sooner had I fallen on the ground and heard the referee's whistle than I realized it's a penalty," he told One Two TV.

"Usually when I fall in the area I get up I find the referee gives me a caution, but this time I knew he would take my side because I was really tackled."

Ahli are now in third place with 29 points. Their city rivals and leaders Zamalek face Harras Hodoud on Thursday.