A narrow yet convincing Egyptian Premier League victory over Military Production gave Ahli fans the assurance they desperately needed ahead of the team's anticipated Champions League clash against Tunisia's Esperance. The late 2-1 victory lifted some of the gloom surrounding the club who had been heavily criticized for a string of below-par displays that culminated in their own supporters jeering them during last week's 1-0 drab win over promoted Wadi Degla. Several pundits and numerous fans questioned the tactical abilities of beleaguered coach Hossam Al-Badri, who is widely blamed for 'failing to make the most of the host of stars at his disposal'. Doubts over Ahli's ability to overcome Esperance in the African Champions League semi final also surfaced, leaving Al-Badri with a plenty of questions to answer as his side took on Production in their last game before hosting the Tunisians at Cairo Stadium in the first leg. However, Ahli players eased the pressure on their boss and the worries of the fans with a commanding display against Production. They made an all-out effort to come from a goal down and earn their third win in five league matches, moving fourth in the table on 11 points, just one short of leaders Police Union who played a game more. "The victory helped some of the players regain the lost confidence following some poor performances recently," Al-Badri, who steered Ahli to a sixth consecutive league title in his first season in charge last term, told reporters after the game. "I think it eased some of the pressure on our shoulders ahead of (Sunday's) meeting with Esperance. "I hope that our hard work will eventually pay dividends. We just need luck against Esperance." Abou-Treika Smile Luck will not be the only factor which can come in handy for Ahli when they meet an in-form Esperance side, who top the Tunisian league with a three-point advantage over nearest challengers Etoile Sahel after five games. The vitality of Ahli players re-emerged against Production as they moved the ball around smoothly, making life difficult for their opponents who defended in numbers in the second half but could not get something from the game.
Abou-Treika: Smiling again It was the visitors who grabbed the opener though when Mohamed Abd-Rabou 'Felix' scored against his former club with a superb flick six minutes after the restart. Ahli striker Mohamed Fadl leveled the score with a powerful half volley before Mohamed Abou-Treika struck with a bicycle kick four minutes from time to give the Red Devils all three points. The classy and evergreen playmaker, whose neat touches stood out against Production, looked ecstatic after notching the winner, sprinting to the touchline before giving Al-Badri a warm hug. "Can you observe the smile on his face now?" renowned TV presenter and former Ahli goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir said during the post-match analysis on Modern Sport. "He looked in a somber mood when he was substituted against Wadi Degla, but he is now happy again." Ahli can also take heart from the display of strike duo Fadl and Liberian Francis Doe, who kept Production defenders at their toes throughout the game. Both frontmen have been under fire for failing to make up for the summer departure of Emad Meteb, who will return to Ahli in January. Fadl produced a much improved display to net the equalizer while Doe was even livelier although he did not get on the scoresheet. The 24-year-old scored two legitimate goals which were wrongfully ruled out by the referee and had a fierce drive denied by the post. Everything now looks better for Ahli ahead of their vital encounter against Esperance, whom they famously defeated in the same stage nine years ago before lifting the trophy at the expense of South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. A repeat of the 2001 scenario is just what Ahli want.
