Ahly’s Portuguese manager, Manuel Jose, expressed his concern about the Egyptian Premier League title race, demanding that his players stay focused on securing the trophy in week 29 against Arab Contractors on Thursday.

“We have wasted a good chance to win the trophy early by drawing with Smouha 2-2 on Sunday,” Jose told his players after Monday night’s training session.

The Red Devils are close to snatching their seventh successive domestic league title as they lead the table with 57 points, 5 ahead of arch-rivals Zamalek.

The 65-year-old tactician blamed the tight break time between matches, as they play every four days. He, however, emphasised that his players are experienced enough to handle such a situation.

“The technical level is surely affected by the busy schedule,” he confirmed.

The Egyptian domestic competition had been put on hold for around three month following the January 25 Revolution that resulted in the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak.

The former Angola manager hailed Smouha’s appearance against Ahly and their struggle with relegation.

“Despite relegation, Smouha’s performance against us was responsible,” Jose stated.

“I demand that each one of you concentrate on the field when we come up against the Arab Contractors, as they are already relegated so their match will be tough,” he warned his squad adding, “We need no stress in the last match against Maqassa.”

Zamalek hasn’t lost hope that may finally win its first championship since 2004. The club is eagerly awaiting any Ahly failure, but in order to gain more points, the White Knights must seize every possible point in their two remaining games against Wadi Degla and El-Entag El-Harby. What’s more is that they must achieve this without their key player Mahmoud Abdel-Razik “Shikabala” who will be side-lined on account of a red card he recieved during the 1-1 draw with Ittihad of Alexandria.