“Ismaily is a good team and was a strong opponent tonight. But, we fought hard to win our first match of the new season,” Koller told the post game’s press conference.
“Every victory raises the players confidence," the 61-year-old Swiss tactician stressed.
"We missed a number of scoring chances but with more confidence we will score more goals,” he noted.
Ahly looked tenacious and hungry for a win as they kicked off their Egyptian Premier League campaign to reclaim the domestic title they lost to archrivals Zamalek in the last two seasons.
The Red Devils had the upper hand in a fast-paced first half, going close on at least three occasions.
In the second half, the Red Devisls piled up the pressure on the Dervishes, who are rejuvenated under former Ahly coach Juan Carlos Garrido, until new arrival Shady Hussein scored his maiden goal a few minutes following his introduction.
Last season, the Red Devils finished the last season in the 3rd place in the Egyptian Premier League table with 70 points, seven points behind champions Zamalek.
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