Ahly coach Jose Peseiro believes his side deserved to win Saturday's Egyptian Premier League game against Wadi Degla, which ended in a goalless draw.

The Cairo giants stumbled for the third time in four matches after being held by Wadi Degla, having missed a host of goal-scoring chances.

"I salute my players for their performance in the game until the final minute," Peseiro told the post-game press conference.

"We failed to hit the target and convert our chances, but this is football," he added.

"We deserved to win, but I am happy with the players' performance," he said.

Ahly, who were profligate, were further affected by the second-half dismissal of midfielder Saleh Gomaa who received his marching orders for a second bookable offence eight minutes past the hour mark.

The 55-year-old Portuguese tactician refused to comment on the referee's decision, but noted that he "denied Ahly a clear penalty".

The draw left Ahly ninth in the table with 13 points from seven matches, eight behind leaders Maqassa who have played three games more. Degla are 13th with nine points from eight games.

Ahly will face Aswan in the 11th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Tuesday.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)