The departure of Essam Al-Hadari and Emad Meteb might have set the alarm bells ringing, but Ahli demonstrated yet again that their continuous success is not dependent upon the presence of a particular star. The Red Devils clinched a record-breaking sixth Champions League title while missing the influential pair, who was a mainstay in the Ahli team that won a host of local and continental titles over the past few years. Ahli's defensive record in Africa's premier competition hasn't been so good this season, as the Cairo giants conceded 10 goals in 12 matches. But that had to do with defensive fragility rather than shaky displays from keeper Amir Abdul-Hamid, who arguably managed to fill the void left by veteran guardian Al-Hadari. Abdul-Hamid, who has lived in the shadows of Al-Hadari for many years, capped a fine Champions League campaign by pulling off a string of superb saves against Cameroon's Coton Sport in the final. “Amir is definitely the man of the match. He prevented the Cameroonians from connecting with all crosses, and also denied their long shots competently,” Ahli goalkeeping coach Ahmed Nagi said. “He produced good displays throughout the competition and helped the team win the title.” Meteb, who used to be Ahli's main striker during the past four years, joined Ittihad Jeddah on a one-year loan deal in August, leaving coach Manuel Jose with few attacking options at his disposal. The 33-time Egyptian champions signed two strikers in the close season, Ahmed Farag and Hani Al-Egeizi, but neither was able to take part in the Champions League as they arrived after the deadline for squads registration. Nevertheless, Ahli hardly felt Meteb's absence.
Abdul-Hamid is gradually gaining fans' trust Following the 25-year-old's departure, Jose reverted to his favorite strategy of deploying three men upfront. Angolan striker Flavio Amado played the advanced role. He was supported by in-form attacking midfielders Mohamed Abou-Treika and Mohamed Barakat. Jose's tactics proved fruitful as the fearsome trio scored seven goals between them in 12 games. High Dam The abrupt departure of Al-Hadari, who joined Swiss side Sion last April without Ahli's consent, made headlines for several months, with many speculating whether Abdul-Hamid would be able to fill in for him. “Al-Hadari is a traitor. He betrayed the club, the technical staff and the 10 years he spent here,” Jose said few days after Al-Hadari announced he was no longer an Ahli player. Ahli fans, who used to call Al-Hadari ‘the high dam', vowed to stand by Abdul-Hamid and help him become the ideal successor to the 35-year-old, who is widely considered as the best goalie in Africa. In Ahli's first game without Al-Hadari, an Egyptian League meeting with Ghazl Mahalla, the fans lifted a banner that read “We built a dam that was broken but we will build a stronger one”. “Amir has the potential to become one of the best keepers in Africa,” Nagi said after the 29-year-old produced a remarkable display to help Ahli claim a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Mahalla. Although he was criticized for some inconsistent displays during the past few months, Abdul-Hamid is tipped for big things to come with six-time African champions Ahli. “He has been a back-up keeper for eight years, so when he plays he must be given time to prove his worth,” Jose says.
