Gharib was grateful to the fans, mainly from Port-Saied, for their full support and their part in boosting the team's morale.

"I would like to thank our fans, they have shown great courage, we had some depressed players who needed such support," Gharib said.

The Egypt team includes a number of Ahli players, who were devastated by the shocking 3-1 defeat to Etoile Sahel in the Champions League final last week.

Media reports suggested that a number of anti-Ahli fans in Cairo, Port-Saied and Ismailia celebrated the Reds' defeat after the Friday game.

However, fans at Port-Saied Stadium appeared to be in support of Ahli players, with Mohamed Abou-Treika receiving special applauds.