CAIRO: Ahly defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil revealed that he has intensively trained to be adept at cannoning long-range free kicks.
The Red Devils were down by one goal in Wednesday’s Cairo Derby with Zamalek when Abdul-Fadil set the game alight with a powerful free kick that hit the top corner of the net from around 30 yards.
After the Egyptian Cup match, which Ahly won 3-1, the former Ismaili man put his sensational goal down to practice.
"I’ve trained a lot to convert this kind of free kicks over the past couple of days and thank God I converted one in the match," Abdul-Fadil told Modern TV.
"It’s my responsibility to take all free kicks from that distance. It was a vital goal that got us back on track after the early goal we conceded."
Hussein Yasser put Zamalek ahead only after 42 seconds before Abdul-Fadil, Mohamed Fadl and Mohamed Abou-Trika scored for Ahly.
Right Back
Abdul-Fadil was deployed as a right back during the game and once again proved to be effective in that position.
The 26-year-old stressed that he prefers playing as a wide man to being deployed as a center back.
"This was my fourth time to play as a right back and I really enjoy it," Abdul-Fadil added.
"It gives me the opportunity to advance and support the frontline."
Ahly coach Hossam Al-Badri once tended to play Ahmed Ali as a right winger but the youngster barely lived up to expectations.
"Ali is a great player but he needs some time to blossom," Abdul-Fadil added.
