CAIRO: Ittihad coach Taha Basri is pleased with his side s 1-1 home draw against Ismaili in the Egyptian League on Saturday.
Mathematically, we are in a good position after the draw with Ismaili. A point was enough for us in this match, Basri told the post-match press conference.
Abdullah Al-Shahat put the visitors in front in the 37th minute but Rami Saied equalized for Ittihad moments before the break.
The result put Alexandria-based club Ittihad in 12th place of the league table with 21 points, just two clear of the relegation zone.
Our upcoming two matches will be crucial. I m just worried that we have many absentees, Basri added.
On the other hand, Ismaili assistant coach Khaled Al-Qammash said his side s display was affected by the absence of strike duo Mohamed Fadl and Mostafa Karim.
We weren t good due to the absentees in our frontline. We dominated possession but failed to put in a convincing performance.
The Dervishes are second in the table with 37 points, ahead of third-placed Zamalek on goal difference.
Ismaili and Zamalek continue their pursuit of the final Champions League qualifying spot as runaway leaders Ahli have virtually secured a fourth successive title.
