CAIRO: Ahly assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri admitted that his side s defensive lapses cost them dearly against Ismaili in Thursday s Egyptian Premier League game.
A second-half header from Mohsen Abou-Greisha gave Ismaili a 1-0 victory over Ahly at Cairo Stadium.
The towering striker rose unmarked to head home Omar Gamal s pinpoint cross from the left.
Our marking was poor and we committed too many mistakes at the back, Al-Badri told reporters after the game.
It is not something uncommon though as goals always come through defensive mistakes but we will be working on improving our defense.
Despite occupying the league summit, Ahly s defensive record has been poor.
The Red Devils, who are looking to win a fifth consecutive title, leaked 16 goals in 19 matches.