Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri admitted it wasn't easy to beat arch-rivals Zamalek in the Cairo derby on Saturday. The African champions maintained their supremacy over Zamalek in recent years after a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Egyptian League courtesy of Flavio's brace. "It is normal that Zamalek became much better than before because every player wanted to prove himself in front of the new technical staff," Al-Badri told a post-match press conference. Henri Michel has been appointed as Zamalek's new boss, succeeding Portuguese manager Manuel Cajuda but caretaker coach Mahmoud Saad was in charge of the club against Ahli. "However, our win over Zamalek has ruled them out of the title race, Ahli's competitors now are Ismaili," Al-Badri added. Ahli are in charge of the league table with 38 points, seven ahead of second-placed Ismaili while Zamalek lie third on 29 points.
Gamal Al-Badri said Mohamed Abou-Treika's disappointing show was due to an injury, while defending coach Manuel Jose's decision to replace Mohamed Sedik minutes after he was introduced instead of Mohamed Shawki. "The medical staff did their best to prepare Abou-Treika for the clash but he suffered a twisted ankle that negatively influenced his display throughout the game." "Sedik didn't play well thus he was replaced, maybe that's because his role was in the heart of the midfield while he is a central defender." On the other hand, Zamalek assistant coach Moatamed Gamal conceded defeat in the league title race. "It is very difficult to catch-up with Ahli at the top after the defeat," he said. "Our hopes in the Arab Champions League are also fading, we will concentrate on the Egyptian Cup in the upcoming period," he concluded.
