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Preview: Ahly's under-fire coach aims to prove critics wrong Mohamed Youssef's job is reportedly under threat as Ahly face Maqassa in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday
Under-fire coach Mohamed Youssef will be eager to prove critics wrong when his side try to end a poor run at home to Maqassa in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday. The Red Devils are reeling following a stunning African Champions League elimination that was followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with ENPPI in the Premier League. What was expected to be a routine progress to the final mini-league phase of the premier domestic competition, which Ahly had won the past seven seasons, is now under serious threat. Ahly lost four times and drew twice in 12 matches but they still have destiny in their own hands. They lie fourth in Group A with 20 points, six behind leaders Smouha and three adrift of second-placed Ittihad, who played two matches more. Should Ahly win their two games in hand, they will move to the second place which earns qualification to the final four-team stage. However, they will need to return to winning ways soon if they are to avoid the unthinkable. "We will fight to return to the group summit. There are still nine matches remaining worth 29 points. If we bag all those points, we will be in a pole position to qualify to the final stage," Youssef said following Ahly's draw with ENPPI. Youssef steered Ahly to the Champions League title last season but his side were unable to cope with the retirement of talismanic playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika afterwards, struggling against defensive-minded outfits. Some of their veterans and reliable players are also underperforming, including 38-year-old defender Wael Gomaa who was left out of the squad for Maqassa game. "I have no problems with being out of the squad. I respect any decision taken by the head coach," Gomaa told Ahly's official website. Maqassa are just one point behind Ahly in fifth although they played a game more. (For moresports news and updates,followAhramOnline Sportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/98361.aspx