Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri might be under fire for a string of lackluster displays, but he had a chance to relax and enjoy his side's sixth consecutive Egyptian Premier League title. The Red Devils wrapped up their favorite title after a second-half brace from substitute Osama Hosni gave them an easy 3-0 victory over Mansoura on Thursday. They won Egypt's premier domestic competition with three matches to spare, leaving the likes of Zamalek and Petrojet to compete for the second spot which brings African Champions League qualification. Al-Badri, who does not have the best of relationships with Ahli fans, is still living in the shadows of the team's former boss Manuel Jose, who steered them to a host of local and continental titles before departing last summer. But some Ahli supporters appeared to stand by him against Mansoura, lifting a banner that read: "We are with you". "I was waiting for this moment for a long time," Al-Badri said in a television interview following the game. "We reaped the rewards of our efforts throughout this season. Our fine display tonight also gave the win a special taste. "Thanks for all people who supported me this season. I also respect those who criticized me, although I was rebuilding the team. "I thank God for this triumph. Ahli fans' primary target lies in the league, so we had to win it. Ahli fans would not be pleased though if their side exited the Champions League from the preliminary rounds. The Red Devils suffered a stunning 2-0 defeat at Libya's Ittihad in the first leg of the competition's round of 16 to risk missing out on a place in the group stage for the second successive season. The loss increased pressure on Al-Badri, who is determined to make amends in the second leg in Cairo. "We will quickly turn our attention to the game against Ittihad," Al-Badri added.
