Sherif Ekrami (GK): 7.5 The Ahli number one looked confident and solid between the posts and that was vindicated by a couple of crucial saves to deny the Japanese in either half. Ahmed Fathi (RB): 8 Deserved to be Ahli's man of the match, thanks to a tireless performance on the right flank capped by two classy assists to his team's goals. As usual, did his homework defensively and his attacking contribution was even better. Wael Gomaa (CB): 6.5 Picked up a silly yellow card for dissent and was sometimes troubled by the pace of Hisato Sato, nonetheless Ahli still never look vulnerable with the stalwart on the pitch. Mohamed Naguib (CB): 6.5 Looked a bit shaky at times in terms of positioning but made a crucial last-man clearance after Hiroshima's goal that may have well changed the course of the game. Ahmed Shedid (LB): 6 The diminutive full-back was clearly struggling in dealing with the first-half inroads of winger Mihael Mikic behind him, yet managed to work better defensively with Walid Soliman after the break. Hossam Ashour (DM): 7 Ahli's most consistent midfielder for years has once again proved a vital figure in midfield with his usual tenacity and quick passing. Hossam Ghaly (CM): 7 Could only play half an hour before his knee injury, but the skipper looked very much in the game and his abrupt exit has clearly shaken his team. Walid Soliman (LM): 6 Not the best of performances from the winger, especially in the final third as he was usually busy doing defensive duties beside Shedid. Abdullah Al-Saied (RM): 5.5 Probably Ahli's quietest player on the night. His passing and shooting has not been accurate and didn't look his usual self in midfield. Al-Sayed Hamdi (FW): 7 Did his job by scoring the important opener but his workrate was significantly declining until he was taken off 20 minutes from the end. Geddo (FW): 6.5 His pace helped Ahli move the ball forward on many occasions, yet his effectiveness as the Reds lone striker has not be up to scratch, especially when Abou-Treika came on to take a central role upfront. Mohamed Abou-Treika (AM): 7.5 As usual he is the legendary figure of Ahli even when he doesn't start. A classy control and a cool finish was enough to win the game for his team and make him the World Cup's all-time joint-leading goalscorer. Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet' (CM): 5 Ahli's youngest player hardly made an impact in the 20 minutes he played in and even received a booking for an unnecessary foul shortly after his introduction. Mohamed Barakat (LM): 6 The veteran has not been tested in the few minutes he featured in.
