The Red Devils needed a late strike from substitute Osama Hosni to beat Telecom 2-1 on Thursday at Military Academy Stadium.

Ahli are on top of the table with 51 points, three ahead of second-placed Ismaili, who played a game more, with five matches remaining.

However, Al-Badri remains cautious.

"A league triumph is not guaranteed yet," Manuel Jose's assistant told the post-match press conference.

"We can stretch our lead to six points if we win our game in hand but it is still too early to say that we became champions."

Substitutes Praise

Al-Badri was full of praise for Hosni and fellow substitute Sayed Moawad.

The duo were introduced in the second half to combine well and give Ahli all three points.

Hosni connected with a precise cross from left-back Moawad 17 minutes from time to head home from close range.

"The substitutes made the difference tonight," Al-Badri added with a smile on his face.

"Moawad in particular played very well after his introduction and his assist led us to victory."