Ahli boss Manuel Jose is looking for an unprecedented achievement after his side booked their place in the Egyptian Cup final at the expense of Ismaili. If the Red Devils managed to beat Zamalek in the cup final, they will win their tenth title in just two seasons. "We will be the first African team in history to make such a glorious achievement," Jose told the post-match press conference. Ahli found no difficulty in defeating Ismaili 2-0 at Cairo International Stadium, thanks to two strikes from skipper Shadi Mohamed and playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika. "We fully deserve the victory; we've put in a great display. We knew how to stop Ismaili players, who have very good individual skills," the Portuguese boss said.
Patrice Neveu "Shadi's early goal boosted the players' morale although we had four players haven't reached top fitness levels yet." Jose hit back at critics for saying that Ahli are approaching a downfall era after their two successive defeats against Ahli and Zamalek in the last rounds of the Egyptian League. "All people know that we lost these matches because we had nine regulars out as they were rested in order to recharge their batteries ahead of our African commitment in the CAF Champions League." On the other hand, Ismaili coach Patrice Neveu admitted Ahli were by far the better side of the game. "The result was expected given that Ahli were much better in the match, they deserved the victory," the Frenchman said.
