The hosts took the lead through former Ghazl Mahalla striker Amir Salah Zaki after 30 minutes with a precise header.

Zaki squandered several clear-cut opportunities afterwards that could have put Shams in the driving seat.

But a late revival by Masri saw them prevent Shams from making an upset in Egypt’s secondary competition.

Forward Ahmed Galal leveled the score in the 78th minute when he converted a pinpoint cross from close range.

Diminutive playmaker Wagih Abdul-Azim wrapped up Masri’s victory four minutes from time with a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

Cheers

Masri fans kept cheering for sacked coach Hassan throughout the game.

Hassan, along with his twin Ibrahim, were shown the door by Masri board earlier this week following their infamous tantrum in the team’s game against JSM Bejaia in Algeria.

Tarek Soliman took charge of the Port Said-based club on a temporary basis but faced an early obstacle when the players threatened not to play against Shams unless Hassan was back at the helm.

The former Egypt striker has been widely appreciated for turning around Masri’s fortunes since his appointment in February 2008.

But under pressure from the Egyptian Football Association and Masri president Ali Farag, the players eventually reversed their stance and decided to play the game.