Pressure mounts for Ahly in title race

Ahly's laboured performances in recent matches has prompted Manuel Jose to launch a stinging attack on his team, who are missing several key players just as the title race hots up

African giants Ahly are struggling in the Egyptian Premier League with a dent to their midfield blow and a humble performance that left their coaching staff and supporters underwhelmed.
The club's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose has criticised his squad's slothful performance after the 2-1 victory over relegation-strugglers Wadi Degla on Monday.
“You have wasted many chances losing a golden chance to win with a high score,” Jose yelled at his players in their dressing room after the game.
The 65-year old tactician pointed out that there is no excuse for the below-par performance of the title holders, especially in the second half when Degla were down to ten men after their goalkeeper, Haitham Mohamed, was sent off.
The 35-time league champions' football director, Sayed Abdel-Hafiz, claimed that the absence of key players was a key factor in the team's poor performance.
The Cairo giants missed Mohamed Abou-Treika, Emad Meteb, Mohamed Fadl, Sayed Mo'awad, Hossam Ashour and Mohamed Shawky.
“Our players promise to please the fans by winning all the remaining matches to clinch the title,” Abdel-Hafiz told Ahram-gate.
The Egyptian title race is on fire after 21 rounds with a solitary point separating leaders Zamalek and arch-rivals Ahly.
“It's the first time for Ahmed Fathy and Moataz Eno to play in these positions and we had many chances in Degla's six yard box but the strikers were unlucky,” said assistant coach Pedro.
Ahly face a tough match against El-Intag El-Harby next Friday.