Ahli once again demonstrated their supremacy in Egyptian football, winning a sixth consecutive Premier League title at the expense of Mansoura on Thursday. They crushed the relegated side 3-0 at Cairo Stadium to add a 35th league title to their trophy-laden cabinet. Six stars played a key role in Ahli's triumph. Wael Gomaa: The combative central defender has been Ahli's most consistent performer this season, thanks to his battling, brave and relentless displays in the heart of the team's four-man backline. Apart from a rare rush of blood to the head that led to his dismissal in Ahli's 2-0 defeat at Ghazl Mahalla in February, Gomaa barely committed mistakes in a campaign to remember for the 35-year-old. His partners in defense, Sherif Abdul-Fadil and skipper Ahmed Al-Sayed, were not at their best but Gomaa's presence always gave Ahli the assurance they needed at the back. He played a key role in helping Egypt win an unprecedented third successive African Cup of Nations title in January and was named in Africa's best starting line-up for 2009 selected by African governing body CAF. Ahmed Fathi: The versatile midfielder produced solid displays when he played as a right-back or defensive midfielder. Fathi held steadfast against any opposition, even the most talented players found it very difficult to skip past him. His attacking contribution was equally crucial. His pinpoint cross allowed Mohamed Abou-Treika to head home and give Ahli a 2-1 comeback victory over ENPPI on March 25 and his clever pass helped Emad Meteb find the net with a low shot in another comeback win over Petrojet few days later. Several pundits chose him as the best player in the 2009/2010 season as the former Sheffield United man earned plaudits for a string of impressive performances in his second season with Ahli. Ahmed Hassan: Although his form faded during the second half of the season, Ahmed Hassan's contribution was vital to Ahli's triumphant league campaign. The 34-year-old, a midfield dynamo, dished out many assists to his teammates and reached Mansoura's decider as the team's second top scorer with seven goals to his name.
Ahmed Hassan: Vital contribution He captained Egypt in the Nations Cup and was voted as the tournament's best player. The exertions of the biennial tournament seemingly took its toll on him as he failed to keep up momentum after the international break. However, he remained an integral part of an Ahli side who once again underlined their supremacy in Egypt. Mohamed Abou-Treika: The classy playmaker, who is widely regarded as one of the best players in Ahli's history, picked up a serious foot injury midway through the season but still managed to stamp his mark on the team. He scored six goals despite missing several games to play a key role in helping Ahli win a 35th league title. Abou-Treika's double salvo lifted the team to a 2-1 victory over promoted Mansoura and a neat finish gave them a 1-0 win over Asyut Petroleum early in the season. He also netted twice in their 2-1 comeback victory over a resilient ENPPI side in March. Emad Meteb: The Egypt striker was not prolific as he used to be during the past few seasons but his presence remained essential. Constant speculation about his future and some niggling injuries hindered his progress but he found the net on nine occasions to become Ahli's top scorer for the second season in his career. His brace gave Ahli a decisive 2-1 victory over Petrojet, who were challenging them at the top, and more important goals were to follow. He lived up to his reputation of being one of the most Ahli players who strike fear into arch-rivals Zamalek by scoring twice to give his side a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Cairo derby. Mohamed Barakat: Barakat is 33 years old but age did not seem to pose any problems for the mercurial midfielder, whose pacey and energetic moves remained valuable assets for Ahli. He scored just one goal until Ahli were officially crowned Egyptian champions, but it was a truly remarkable one. Ahli were on the verge of suffering their first loss to Zamalek since May 2007 but Barakat stepped inside his marker and rifled home from inside the area deep in stoppage time to secure a share of spoils.
