Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri reckons his side's draw at Kano Pillars in the CAF Champions League is an acceptable result, but it doesn't guarantee them a spot in the next round. The Red Devils salvaged an away 1-1 tie in the round of 16 first leg on Saturday, and either a goalless draw or a victory in the return leg would see them reach the group stage. "It's a good result, but we can't say we are already through," he said after the game. When asked about the match, Al-Badri said: "In the first half our performance was below-par. We were retreating further and further towards our own goal, which allow our opponents to take control. "We redeemed ourselves in the second period, thanks to the substitutions that shored up our midfield and made the frontline more effective, but to some extent." Apart from the Cairo giants' display, Manuel Jose's assistant voiced his dissatisfaction over the pitch that clearly wasn't up to scratch. "The pitch was really bad, and it's definitely affected both teams' performances," Al-Badri added. "But after all I can say the result is perceived to be satisfactory. "I believe we are well capable of booking a place in the next round."
