"The lads didn't perform well, the pitch's bad condition was also blamable for the below-par display," Jose told the post-match press conference.

The defending champions' eight-match winning streak came to an end in a largely balanced contest.

The Portuguese boss defended his decision not to field Mohamed Barakat, who has just returned from a long injury lay-off and took part in Ahli's CAF Champions League game against Zimbabwe's Highlanders.

"Barakat has been absent for eight months, I can't play him in such a competitive match as our games against Mahalla are always strong."

On the other hand, Mahalla coach Ibrahim Youssef was delighted to see his side claim a fully deserved point against the African champions.

"We took an attacking approach and played with three men upfront, we didn't fear playing against a high-profile team like Ahli," he said.