Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri can breathe a sigh of relief if his side pass their last test in the ongoing injury crisis when they face Military Production in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday. The defending champions can be satisfied with what they have done so far after a string of injuries hit their key players. They hardly played with a familiar side in their last four league games after the likes of Mohamed Abou-Treika, Mohamed Barakat, Moataz Eno and Emad Meteb were sidelined with respective injuries. They were dealt another blow ahead of their game against Production after influential defensive midfielder Hossam Ashour was omitted from their squad due to a hamstring complaint. "Our opponents play very tough games against us because we are the leaders and the defending champions. This naturally results in many injuries," Al-Badri commented. Although Ahli collected just six points from four matches, they still boast a four-point advantage over second-placed Petrojet. They will earn the honorary title of winter champions anyway but a victory over an in-form Production side in the last league game before the break will boost the morale of their substitutes and youngsters, who carried a heavy burden during the past few games. Promoted Production enjoy a fine run of results under coach Tarek Yehia. They will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak to four matches at the expense of Ahli. "Our players want to further enhance their status," Production assistant coach Tarek Mostafa told FilGoal.com.
Petrojet want to keep Ahli in sight "However, we should not expect an easy test because Ahli are not a team who can be badly affected by absences." Keeping Pace Petrojet, whose ambitions are getting bigger every season in the top flight, are aiming to keep pace with Ahli through an away victory over Arab Contractors. "We play for victory in every game. Holding onto our second place is essential," Petrojet coach Mokhtar Mokhtar said. The petroleum club will have to do without midfielder Ahmed Shaaban and Ghanaian forward Cofie Bekoe due to injury. Ismaili, who are five points behind Ahli in third place, will welcome back Egypt keeper Essam Al-Hadari when they host bottom side Asyut Petroleum, who are yet to claim any win. Veteran goalie Al-Hadari missed Ismaili's 2-1 win over Masri with a back injury. A resurgent Zamalek side will eye a third consecutive league victory under new coach Hossam Hassan when they meet Mansoura. Second-bottom Mansoura slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Ittihad last week in coach Mohamed Salah's debut.
