First-half goals from Ahmed Sherweda and Ahmed Shedid gave new manager Basri a winning debut with the Port-Said club, whose last victory came in December over MCDR.

The victory helped Masri cement their position in eighth place on 26 points, while Degla remained 13th with 19.

The home side took the lead after just five minutes through youngster Sherweda, who headed in Ihab Al-Masri’s terrific cross from the left flank.

Former Ahli full-back Shedid doubled his side’s lead and made it two for the season against Degla with a trade-mark left-footed strike into the bottom corner of the net.

Coach Basri paid tribute to his predecessor Tarek Al-Sawi, who left the club after refusing to work as an assistant manager to the former Zamalek star.

“The team benefited a lot from the work of Al-Sawi. I only made a few changes regarding the position of some players,” Basri said after the game.

“I am very happy with the win, and I think we could have scored more goals if we were a bit luckier.”

In the other match of the day, Gaish were held to a goalless draw by Military Production in a dull affair in Cairo.