Petrojet slipped to third in the league table with 29 points, two behind second-placed Ismaili and six adrift of leaders Ahli, who could further extend the gap if they beat Ghazl Mahalla on Monday.

Ittihad, who enjoy a revival under Brazilian coach Carlos Cabral, moved into fifth spot on 23 points.

The league resumed action after a long break, during which Egypt won an unprecedented third successive Nations Cup title.

The Pharaohs were largely helped by forward Geddo, who scored five goals to finish as the top scorer despite not starting any game in the tournament.

He was given a starting berth on Sunday, this time with an in-form Ittihad side, against title hopefuls Petrojet.

Geddo basked in a hero's reception from Ittihad fans but could not replicate his Nations Cup heroics.

He was a peripheral figure throughout, wasting just a half-chance in the second half via a backward header.

Ittihad squandered some decent opportunities in the first half but Petrojet had the upper hand after the interval.

A powerful Karim Zekri header was blocked by Ittihad keeper Al-Hani Soliman and Ghanaian striker Eric Bekoe headed wide with the goal at his mercy few minutes later.

Petrojet were made to pay for their wastefulness when striker Al-Morsi, who came on instead of Geddo seven minutes past the hour mark, notched the decisive goal with eight minutes remaining.

The 26-year-old, who is on loan from Zamalek, created some space for himself on the edge of the area to send a low right-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Petrojet also finished with ten men after Bekoe received a straight red card for lashing out at Soliman.