Ahly were were held to a 1-1 draw by top-flight debutants Future FC on Sunday after a lengthy stoppage in the league due to the national teams participation in the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar earlier this month.

“We fought well but Ahly have a schedule that is busier than any other team,” Mosimane told the post game’s press conference.

“We had 9 players who took part in the FIFA Arab Cup then they took part in Rajaa clash in the African Super Cup [last week].”

The Red Devils looked to be cruising when Mohamed Sherif, the league's top scorer last season with 21 goals, fired them ahead as early as the third minute.

However, Future FC proved dangerous on breakaways and threatened keeper Mohamed El-Shennawi on several occasions before midfielder Karim Walid, who left Ahly in the summer after an injury-disrupted spell, netted against his former club 12 minutes into the second half.

“We are human and we have a powerful team as we fought well and did our best during the game,” the South African coach said.

Despite the draw, Ahly remain on top of the table with 19 points, on level with second-placed Zamalek, who played a game more, and two clear of third-placed Pyramids FC.

The Cairo giants are bidding to reclaim the Egyptian Premier League title which they lost last season to arch-rivals Zamalek.

Egyptian Premier League games will be suspended until the end of the 2021 African Cup of Nations that will take place in Cameroon 9 January -  6 February.

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