Ahli are finding it hard to replicate the extraordinary success they had during the past four years because Egyptian Premier League competitors have become much stronger. The Red Devils, who are seeking to win a fifth consecutive league title, used to beat off competition from their so-called challengers by the halfway stage of the season but that is not the case this term. The likes of Ismaili, Petrojet and ENPPI remain in the title race with eight matches to go. Leaders Ahli, who looked vulnerable on numerous occasions this season, boast an attainable six-point lead over ENPPI and Petrojet. Ismaili could come within four points of the Cairo giants if they won their game in hand against Arab Contractors. That is largely down to uncommon courageous attitudes from modest teams, the ability of company-owned clubs to keep hold of their stars despite tempting offers and the tendency of Egypt coach Hassan Shehata to monitor and call up players from unfancied sides. Mid-table teams and struggling ones used to pack 10 players behind the ball against Ahli with the hope of stealing a goal or at least securing a share of spoils. The result was always the same - Ahli pile on pressure and waste a host of clear-cut opportunities until ending their opponents' resistance in the dying minutes. Those teams have finally realized that the outcomes are not worth efforts as they decided to adopt balanced strategies and try to attack the six-time African champions. "I want to congratulate Egyptian football for that shift of power," Ahli coach Manuel Jose recently said. "All teams are now playing to win, that's why the rate of goals is very high this season." Ahli lost three times so far this season, including defeats against Police Union and Masri.
Jose thinks about Ahli improved competitors Financial Stability When Ahli felt there was need for squad reinforcements, their ready money did all job as they sought to sign any emerging star. It was a dream for every footballer to be within the ranks of the 33-time Egyptian champions even if it meant that he would give up a regular starting berth he used to have. Ahli's money and caliber were so tempting for clubs and players alike. But the financial stability of clubs who are backed by huge oil companies such as ENPPI and Petrojet helped them hang on to their prized assets. Ahli failed in their attempts to sign Petrojet's in-form left-back Osama Hassan despite Jose's keenness to have him at his disposal. Players who are financially secure may still want to join Ahli to be in the spotlight and earn an Egypt call-up. Prior to Shehata's reign, Cairo duo Ahli and Zamalek had the lion's share of representatives in the Pharaohs squad. But under the 59-year-old's guidance, there is room for any player as long as he proves that he is good enough to play for Egypt. The likes of ENPPI winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi and striker Ahmed Raouf, Petrojet midfielder Ahmed Shaaban and Harras Hodoud forward Ahmed Eid became regular members of the national team's roster. Although Ahli remain a cult figure for many, little remained for them to tempt high-profile players.
