Manuel Jose has applied a 4-4-2 formation for the first time as Ahli eased to a 2-0 win over lower-division Railways in a pre-season friendly. Following a goalless first half, Ahli struggled to find the net until the 80th minutes, only to be gifted an own goal by a Railways defender. Substitute striker Mohamed Fadl added the second goal in 83 minutes. Jose started with four men in defense, featuring youngster Ahmed Al-Esh, Mohamed Naguib, Sherif Abdul-Fadil and Ayman Ashraf. It is Ahli's second friendly ahead of the new league season as the Reds thrashed Nabaroh 7-0 last week, courtesy of a hat-trick from Al-Sayed Hamdi. Jose has always used a 3-5-2 formation with Ahli during his three distinct stints, but has been criticized lately for lack of tactical options. It could be an indication of how the Portuguese intends to approach the league season, which starts this month with a clash against Harras Hodoud.
