Striker Ahmed Abdul-Ghani scored the winner on the quarter-hour mark to take his tally to seven league goals.

He converted Islam Al-Shater's pinpoint cross from the right past Tersana keeper Joao Raphael.

The victory put Hodoud in fifth place of the league table with 39 points, two behind second-placed Ismaili, who have a game in hand.

Tarek Al-Ashri's side must finish second in order to secure a historic place in the lucrative Champions League.

Should they fail to finish as runners-up, Hodoud will play in the CAF Confederation Cup after winning the Egyptian Cup last month.

Tersana's hopes of avoiding relegation have all but demolished as they lie at the bottom of the 16-team table on 19 points, six behind the safety zone with seven matches to go.

Elsewhere, a brace from Ihab Al-Masri either side of the interval gave Arab Contractors a precious 2-0 home victory over Ghazl Mahalla.

The Mountain Wolves moved into tenth spot with 29 points as they virtually guaranteed their top-flight status.