Frozen-out veteran striker Emad Meteb came off the bench Sunday to open scoring against Arab Contractors for his first goal of the season
Ahly manager Hossam El-Badry has said he was delighted with Emad Meteb getting back among the goals after the veteran striker paved the way for his side's 2-0 league victory over Arab Contractors on Sunday.
Barely a minute after his 74th-minute introduction, the 34-year-old Meteb managed to break Contractors' resistance with a headed goal from Junior Ajayi's cross following a superb off-the-ball movement inside the box.
"I'm extremely happy with Emad Meteb's goal, it was important for us, for him and for his morale," El-Badry said in the post-match press conference.
On Ahly's problems in the first half and what he did to change things after the break, El-Badry highlighted some technical issues related to his side's style of play and described how he eventually intervened to solve the matter.
"We lacked precision in front of the goal in the first half, plus some players looked to have been lacking fitness," El-Badry said.
"There was not enough of a link between midfield and attack. Out wide we also faced problems going forward.
"There were some wingers who were supposed to stay out wide but drifted inside instead, making us lose strength on the flanks – particularly our left flank.
"All of these issues were solved in the second half."
With Ahly mainly relying on summer-arrivals Marwan Mohsen and Nigeria forward Ajayi, the ageing Meteb has struggled to find a place in the team's attack.
The ex-Egypt forward has been given only limited time in league games this season, left out of the squad 10 matches thus far and playing only 19 minutes ahead of Sunday's victory.
With Egypt striker Mohsen currently sidelined with a long-term injury, Meteb looks to have a chance for more time in upcoming games.
Defending champions Ahly are currently in charge of the league table with 49 points, eight ahead of second-placed Maqassa who have played a game less than they.
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