CAIRO: Ahly coach Manuel Jose lauded his players ability to take advantage of Zamalek s defensive mistakes in Sunday s Cairo derby.
The Red Devils maintained their supremacy over arch-rivals Zamalek with a 2-1 victory in the Champions League group stage opener.
Jose believes the players’ commitment was the key behind the precious win.
I told the players before the match that any mistakes from either side will determine the winner, the Portuguese said during the post-match press conference.
I stressed that our mistakes should be less than those of our opponents.
And that was the case. Flavio notched the opener right after Abdullah’s mistake.
However, Jose said Ahly should have put the result beyond doubt in the second period.
We wasted several opportunities before Zamalek’s equalizer. We should have at least scored another goal.
The 62-year-old boss said Ahly will be better prepared when they face Zamalek once again on Sunday, in the Egyptian Super Cup.
We signed nine players in the close season but we could only register four in our Champions League squad.
But on Sunday we can use any of our new players. I extended my contract to build a new Ahly team for the future.
