Ahli coach Manuel Jose backed his players after the disappointing draw with Wydad Casablanca in the Champions League group stage opener. The Egyptian champions were denied by a resilient Wydad side, who were helped by some slack defending from their hosts to grab a thrilling 3-3 draw. “I am proud of my players and we will keep fighting on to qualify. Our chances are still there,” Jose said in the post-match conference. “Wydad are starting a new campaign, while we have just ended a season of fierce competition, that's why I am happy with my team's performance.” Abdul-Fadil backing In the same manner, Jose refused to blame defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil after his crucial errors in the draw. Abdul-Fadil, Ahli's sweeper, was largely responsible for two of the goals as he scored the first against his own keeper before giving away the ball cheaply to striker Mohsin Iajour late in the game. “I think Abdul-Fadil played well, but he was twice unlucky in the first and last minute,” the Portuguese added. “Despite that, I have the utmost confidence in Abdul-Fadil.”
