Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has stated that his side was better than their Tunisian rivals Esperance, regardless of the result, in the first leg of the African Champions League quarterfinals held on home soil Sunday.

"Ahly wasted many scoring chances and were able to dominate the field, and but final result doesn't really represents that performance," the 59-year-old tactician stated on the club's official website.

The Cairo giants were held to a 2-2 draw after coming from behind twice. Critics blamed goalkeeper Sherif Ekrami for a surprisingly humble performance.

"I refuse to focus on Ekramy individually. Defensive mistakes cost us the two goals. The referee cancelled a penalty for us and this could have changed the result," El-Badry added.

We can make it to semis       

El-Badry insisted that Ahly can still make it to the semifinals, expressing full confidence in his squad's appearance in the second leg away, next Saturday.

"I hope we don't pressure the players too much ahead of the away game in Tunisia, especially as we still have a chance to qualify for the semifinals. The next match needs a balanced strategy," he added.

The Reds are heading to Rades this week, hoping for a victory on Saturday in order to pursue their quest for a first Champions League title since 2013.

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