 He then joined El Ahly on a two-year loan but failed to secure a starting place in his first season with the club since coach Manuel José depended mainly on Angolan international Gilberto.Abdelwahab's break came in the 2005 African Champions League final against Etoile Sahel of Tunisia when Gilberto left the pitch injured after ten minutes.Abdelwahab was brought on and went on to set up Osama Hosny for El-Ahly's second goal in the 3–0 win that saw the club crowned African champions.