The Cairo giants were handed a 2-1 away defeat to the South African outfit in the first-leg of the competition's round of 16.

The unexpected loss came few days after Ahli were crowned Egyptian champions for the fourth successive season.

A section of Ahli fans believes Abdul-Hamid shoulders the blame for the defeat. The 29-year-old goalie doesn't agree.

"I wasn't responsible. I managed to block three clear opportunities for our opponents, two of them were one-on-one situations," he told Al-Masry Al-Youm.

"Ahli's defense is not solely responsible for the defeat, nor am I. As a team, we should all share responsibility for any outcome."

Abdul-Hamid sustained an injury against Petrojet last month, paving the way for youngster Ahmed Abdul-Monem to make his debut.

Ahli medical staff did their best to make sure Abdul-Hamid would be available for the team's Champions League opener against Platinum Stars.

"Some people claimed that I wasn't at my best during the match. They forgot that I've just returned from injury. I need time to regain match fitness."

Sudden Starring Role

All of a sudden, Abdul-Hamid became Ahli's first-choice keeper.

Veteran goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari, widely considered as Africa's best guardian, shockingly joined Swiss side Sion without the consent of Ahli.

The chance finally fell to Abdul-Hamid to prove his worth after having to play second-fiddle to Al-Hadari for almost seven years.

"First, I have to prove that I deserve being Ahli's regular keeper before thinking about anything else," he said.

"Then I will target an Egypt call-up. It's an honor for me to play in the national team. Should the chance come up; I will do my best to cement my place."

Reports claimed recently that Ahli are looking to sign a new keeper following Al-Hadari's departure.

Does that mean that the Red Devils do not trust Abdul-Hamid abilities?

"It is only natural that Ahli want to strengthen that position. However, I will consider it weird if they want to sign a new keeper because Al-Hadari left."

"Ahli have good three keepers. Anyone of us is more than capable of standing between the sticks.

"But if the club's football committee thinks that there is a need for a new keeper, I will not be bothered at all. There will be a healthy competition between all of us to vie for a regular place."

Abdul-Hamid heaped praise on Ahli's Portuguese coach Manuel Jose, whom he believes played a pivotal role in his stay with the five-time African champions.

"One day, speculation mounted that Ahli will release me but Jose assured me that my place is safe."

"He also told me that I'm an integral part of his plans for the future, as well as praising my goalkeeping abilities," Abdul-Hamid added.