Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has said that heavy schedule made his players suffer fatigue during Maqassa's Egyptian Premier League game on Sunday in which Ahly lost 3-2.

"We missed two early chances that could have changed the match scenario but bad luck played a role in our defeat," the 57-year-old tactician reacted though the club's official website after the game.

Maqassa, last season's runner-ups, has gained praise from El-Badry for their skills and determination.

"Maqassa players were very fit physically and were really enthusiastic to win the game," he added.

Maqassa, who also defeated Ahly's Cairo, rivals Zamalek 3-1, moved seventh after continuing their superb run under Soliman, who has presided over five wins and two draws in seven matches after taking over in October.

Ahly missed out on the chance of overtaking Ismaily on top. They remain second in the table with 25 points, two behind Ismaily who played two matches more.

"The league road is still long and Ahly have no target but to win and keep the title," he concluded.

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