Egypt and Basel striker Mohamed Salah says that long passes were a key reason behind Tuesday's precious 1-0 win over Premiere League giants Chelsea.

The Pharaohs attacker scored a breakaway goal in the 87th minute as the Swiss team beat the Londoners in the European Champions League group stage.

"The coach always urges us to play long passes behind defenders. We tried that a lot against Chelsea and finally we managed to score," Salah said in a televised statement after the match.

Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho praised the Egyptian forward, blaming his own defenders for being the reason behind the goal.

"Salah is a pacy and good player. He caught the defence napping," Mourinho told Al-Jazeera Sports after the game.

With nine points from five games in Group E, leaders Chelsea have already qualified for the knockout stages.

Basel are second on eight points while Schalke 04 are third on seven points after drawing 0-0 at bottom club Steaua Bucharest.

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