Ahli were crowned Egyptian champions for the sixth successive season after Osama Hosni's second-half brace helped them to an easy 3-0 home victory over relegated Mansoura on Thursday. Youngster Shehab Ahmed was also on the score sheet as Ahli, who needed only a draw to wrap up their favorite title, added a 35th league triumph to their trophy-laden cabinet. Mansoura finished with ten men after keeper Mahmoud Aboul-Saoud was handed a straight red card for hauling down Ahmed Shokri nine minutes past the hour mark. The victory lifted Ahli to 60 points, 12 points ahead of second-placed and arch-rivals Zamalek with just three matches remaining. Coach Hossam Al-Badri, who came in for fierce criticism after Ahli lost 2-0 at Libya's Ittihad in the African Champions League round of 16 first-leg, won his first competition after replacing Portuguese Manuel Jose last summer. The Red Devils also have a chance to win the league and cup double. They are expected to meet Zamalek in the second round of Egypt's secondary competition next month. Missed Chances Ahli forwards were guilty of missing several clear-cut chances in the first half. Aboul-Saoud blocked two powerful shots from left-back Sayed Moawad and veteran midfielder Ahmed Hassan early in the game. Mohamed Barakat fired wide with the goal gaping while ineffective striker Hani Al-Egeizi could not find the net with the goal at his mercy after being found unmarked by a low cross from Moawad. With top scorer Emad Meteb missing through injury, Al-Badri turned for forgotten striker Hosni to atone for the missed chances. The 27-year-old, husband of the daughter of Ahli's vice-president and club icon Mahmoud Al-Khatib, made the difference after replacing Al-Egeizi at halftime.
Hosni excelled He broke the deadlock on 49 minutes after his strike partner, Francis Doe, twice failed to score from close range. Doe's initial shot from a tight angle struck the post and his follow-up effort was saved by Aboul-Saoud. The ball eventually fell to Hosni, who rose at the far post to head into an empty net. Celebrations The opener sparked wild celebrations from Ahli's vociferous fans, who beat the drum for their side's victory and lifted several banners to mock Zamalek. They also appeared to stand by Al-Badri, whose job remains under scrutiny despite Ahli's triumph, which is seen by many as a customary one. "We are with you," read a banner, which featured a drawing for Al-Badri, carried by Ahli's enthusiastic fans. Aboul-Saoud was dismissed on the 69th minute but stand-in keeper Adel Saad saved Hosni's ensuing penalty. Ahli did not seem affected by the miss as their wave of attacks proved to be too good for Mansoura. Shehab Ahmed, one of the youngsters who rose to prominence this season, doubled Ahli's lead in the 77th minute with a powerful long-range shot that bounced off the bar and crossed the line. Hosni, one of Ahli's strikers who were expected to leave at the end of the season after failing to prove their worth, might have done enough to remain at the Cairo giants next term. He completed the rout in style, with his superb header finding the far corner after a pinpoint cross from the right four minutes from time.
