Highlights of Ahli's Fourth Successive Egyptian League Title
الإثنين، 21 أبريل 2008 - 18:44
كتب : وكالات
Ahli's run to the title witnessed some highlights in terms of crucial moments, incidents and goals.
FilGoal.com brings you the top five incidents and top five goals that highlighted Ahli's victorious campaigns.
Incidents
Surviving Al-Hadari blow
Essam Al-Hadari's notorious departure to FC Sion was arguably the event of the season for Ahli, if not for Egyptian football.
Left with only Amir Abdul-Hamid as senior goalkeeper, Ahli managed to deal with the blow in champions' manner.
Amir's first game as Ahli's number one witnessed an emotional scene in Mahalla, where the Reds salvaged a last-gasp 1-0 victory.
The man who waited for long to get his first team chance was carried by skipper Shadi Mohamed after the game which saw earn a deserved clean sheet.
Amir has only conceded three times, including two from the spot, in seven games, a feat which emphasized how Ahli survived Al-Hadari blow.
Signing Ahmed Fathi
Contrary to Al-Hadari's case, Ahli's capturing of Ahmed Fathi was the hit of the season, especially after Mohamed Shawky's transfer to Middlesbrough and Moetaz Eno's continuous injury problems.
Shawky left a huge void in Manuel Jose's midfield, but his Egypt colleague Fathi was a more than capable replacement, giving some dazzling performances this year.
Recovering From Etoile Defeat
Many people claimed that the devastating 3-1 defeat to Etoile Sahel in the CAF Champions League final would be an end of an era for the five-time African champions.
But Jose's side showed no signs of collapsing as they went on to win 13 straight games in the league after that, starting with a 2-0 win at Ittihad of Alexandria.
Cup Elimination
Once again, the Reds went through the embarrassment of getting knocked out of the Egyptian Cup first round by second division Asyut Petroleum.
But this time they were a bit fortunate as the defeat was immediately followed by Egypt's 2008 African Cup of Nations victory, which involved several Ahli players.
Signing Ahmed Hassan
The signing of the Egypt skipper and three-time African Cup of Nations winner came as a morale booster for the Red Devils. It strengthened the fans' faith in the administration and the efforts for continuity in the Cairo club.
Goals
Abou-Treika vs. Zamalek
The Ahli wizard won the Cairo derby for his side with a wonderful goal, which saw him eluding Mohamed Abdul-Monsef with a superb dummy before hitting the empty net.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZHJdB1gTLbY
Flavio vs. ENPPI
A remarkable 4-3 thriller against ENPPI was concluded by a 93rd minute strike from Flavio, who secured the three points for Ahli after they were a goal down twice.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1bPxR0lHKXw
Flavio vs. Mahalla
Flavio saved the day for Ahli again, this time with a trade-mark header in Mahalla.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=GvmRglabpx8
Fathi vs. Zamalek
Even though his goals are rare, Fathi's finish against Zamalek was clinical.
The Egypt midfielder showed great composure and insight to beat Abdul-Monsef with a delicate chip.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rYRbJazzypI
Meteb vs. Zamalek
Emad Meteb's goal against Zamalek in March was pivotal for both the player and the club.
On the personal level, the goal ended Meteb's goal drought that